PNoy inspects relocation site for Manggahan Floodway informal settlers

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday inspected the relocation site for the informal settler families of the Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City.

Aquino inspected a housing unit at the ground floor of the newly built Manggahan Residences Phase 1 in Barangay Santa Lucia and interacted with a housing awardee.

In his speech, Aquino said the new settlement is part of the administration's principle to "Build Back Better."

"Hindi sapat sa atin na mailipat lang kayo ng tirahan. Hindi rin natin ugali ang magpatupad lang ng mga pansamantalang solusyon, na pagkatapos ng mga photo-op ay wala naman talagang nangyaring pagbabago," he said.

"Sinisiguro din nating ligtas, matibay, at malapit sa mga serbisyo at oportunidad ang inyong tutuluyan. Sa ganitong paraan, tunay at pangmatagalan ang ginhawang naipagkakaloob sa ating mga benepisyaryo," he added.

Aquino said the settlement project is concrete proof that his administration attends to the needs of the people.

He also praised the beneficiares for cooperating with the government.

"Marami hong informal settler na sa ngayon, di ho ba? Kailangan nating tugunan ang lahat ng pangangailangan. Mukhang magandang estratehiya ang ginagawa dito, na talagang nagsasanib ang puwersa ng mga may problema at ng pamahalaan," Aquino said.

Two five-storey buildings with 120 each for families were constructed under the project's first phase.

Phase 2, consisting of six buildings, will be completed in March 2015, to be followed by Phase 3, consisting of seven buildings that will be finished by June 2016.

Each unit is a studio, which could be converted into a one-room unit, complete with a toilet and a small balcony in the upper floors.

The P50-billion project aims to resettle 900 families who have illegally settled at the Manggahan Floodway.

The project is also seen to help solve Metro Manila's flooding problem.