Quezon City government, DOLE help rebuild Tatalon

MANILA, Philippines - Three months after the devastation wrought by tropical storm “Ondoy” and a big fire, the residents of Agno Extension Compound in Tatalon, Quezon City are living normal lives again.

Helen Gonzales, a resident of the compound, said their living conditions are even better than before due to assistance provided by the Quezon City local government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“Our children can play safely outside our homes because the canals are now covered. Our surroundings are clean with less rodents and insects,” Gonzales disclosed.

When Ondoy hit Metro Manila last Sept. 26,         Gonzales recalled that Agno Compound was under six feet deep flood waters. To make matters worse, fire broke out that evening, claiming the lives of seven residents and destroying 500 houses.

In coordination with the city government, DOLE immediately implemented Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged program, which provided emergency employment to residents of the area.

DOLE-Quezon City Field Office head Nelson Hornilla said 180 residents were hired to undertake declogging, cleaning and rehabilitation of drainage and canals.

The Quezon City government sent heavy equipment such as garbage trucks and payloaders for the cleanup operations, and released P300,000 for social protection coverage of workers and other expenses.

Gonzales said the residents of Tatalon were thankful because they not only had other sources of income, but their surroundings also improved as a result of the cleanup operations.

“To the government and other sponsors, we promised to take care of our newly renovated community,” Gonzales said.          – Mayen Jaymalin