Illegal settlers near NAIA runway to be relocated

MANILA, Philippines - People living near the runway at Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be moved to a relocation site in Barangay Merville in Parañaque.

Mayor Florencio Bernabe said a housing community shall rise, complete with a multi-purpose hall and a school building, at the relocation site.

“In Parañaque, we do not just build homes and communities,” he said.

“We build lives and better future for the residents.”

Based on an agreement between the Parañaque City government and the Manila International Airport Authority, the MIAA will defray the expenses for the relocation and development of the site, as well as legal support for the project.

The city government will dismantle the makeshift shanties and transport the residents to the relocation site. It will also be responsible for site development and general welfare of the beneficiaries.

Bernabe said a task force was created to oversee the project implementation.

The task force will also be comprised of representatives from Barangay Sto. Niño, Local Housing Development Office, Urban Mission Areas Development Office, Parañaque police and the MIAA.        – Rhodina Villanueva