Ynares backs relocation of informal settlers

MANILA, Philippines - The provincial government of Rizal threw its full support yesterday on the relocation of 9,000 informal settlers from Metro Manila and Quezon City to Rodriguez town but Gov. Casimiro “Jun” Ynares lll insisted that basic social services like electricity, water and food should be in place before affected families could move in.

Ynares also called on government agencies assigned for the relocation project to ensure that the drainage systems are in order so that relocated families would not encounter problems like floods or another super typhoon Ondoy.

“Though we do not refuse to relocate, it’s a call for a decent site for the settlers,” Ynares said.

Ynares said that he sees no problem with the relocation of the informal settlers to Rodriguez in Rizal, but he stressed that there is a need to ensure that the families will be given the badly needed government’s social services.

Rizal is considered one of the fastest growing provinces in the country, due to its economic stature and perfect condition for mass housing. Rizal has been at the cornerstone of the massive housing projects made available to ordinary Filipinos.

This is the reason why the town of Rodriguez in Rizal has been chosen as a target by the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the 9,000 families living among squatter sites in Metro Manila as part of the government’s human settlement program.

Ynares even dubbed the informal settlers as “precious assets.”

Open to challenge

While the relocation would mean an additional 9,000 families or 45,000 people, or an additional public service for education, health and infrastructure, Ynares said they are open to the challenge.

He said that Rodriguez town is best suited for settlers for them to have a new community due to the programs set by the local provincial government for the town – two schools – an elementary and high school, for the settlers. He admitted though that it may not be enough for the children of the settlers, but he stressed that government must support them.

Let’s say there are three school children in every family, a total of 27,000 students will use 30 school rooms, or 900 students in every room. This is far from the ratio, which would worsen the situation, and add to these the lack of teachers and books.