The President also ordered the release of P5 million for the purchase of 500 pre-built bamboo houses, more commonly known as bahay kubo, to serve as temporary or permanent houses. The units are priced at P15,000 each and are payable over a period of as long as 15 years. In a simple ceremony, the President handed down land titles to the beneficiaries, who were despondent over the loss of their homes last Black Saturday.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza led local government officials in assisting Mrs. Arroyo. The ceremony was held in Barangay Bagong Lupa, Baseco Compound in Tondo.
Two days after the fire incident, President Arroyo directed Atienza to assist affected families and to complete the rehabilitation and reclamation works in one month.
The President lauded Atienza and the city government as well as the 51st Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army for completing the job on time.
Atienza also vowed that the national and city governments will help in providing three hollow block-making machines to supply the residents with ample supply of hollow blocks.– Cecille Suerte Felipe