Rama asks fire victims staying at SRP to transfer to NRA property

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama requested the fire victims of Barangay Ermita, who are temporarily living in tents near the entrance of the South Road Properties, to transfer to Block 27 at the North Reclamation Area.

Yesterday before his 3 p.m. flight to Manila to attend the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines elections, Rama visited more than 50 families in their temporary shelter at the SRP entrance and convinced the vendors to immediately relocate to Block 27 without complaining.

He told the victims that they will have a “field trip” to the relocation site at the NRA, possibly on Friday when he returns.

Rama has also directed the Department of Welfare and Urban Planning, the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification and Enhancement, the General Services Office, the Department of Engineering and Public Works, Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imoc” Rupinta and the City’s Quick Response Team to prepare the relocation site immediately.

As of yesterday, 32 tents donated by Red Cross in China and three portalets were already installed at the NRA, beside the impounding area of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management.  The DEPW has started leveling and resealing the ground. 

Four shower areas were also built and an additional kitchen and washing areas will be constructed separately.

The mayor said vehicles will be available for the students and families going to and from the downtown area.

Meanwhile, 23 families or 75 individuals staying at the Tent City at the SRP have already expressed their intention to return to their homes in Eastern Samar.

Tent City Committee head, lawyer Joy Pesquera, confirmed this after a meeting yesterday with the Philippine Red Cross, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Social Welfare and Services.

Pesquera said DSWD will coordinate with the Philippine Navy for the transportation of the families.

Also, the International Organization for Migration will take charge of the families from the Tacloban City port to their respective places, said Pesquera.

However, there are 31 families that have opted to stay in Cebu City.

“Within this week we will complete the interview sa families naa sa atong family rebuilding center for assessment and recommendation kay mao na basehan sa assistance na ilang madawat sa region 8 from IOM, PRC, among others,” she said.

The Tent City will be operational until March 23 only.

This week, DSWS will assist the families to look for possible shelters like boarding houses, which they can afford to pay.

The city government will extend P3,000 to families willing to go home under the city’s “Balik Probinsya Program.” — (FREEMAN)