Villagers pin hope on SMC promise of houses, education, jobs as new airport rises

BULAKAN, Bulacan–Some of the residents who will be displaced by the construction of the P735-billion New Manila International Airport here expressed hope that San Miguel Corp.(SMC) President Ramon S. Ang will keep his promise of providing them a decent relocation site and livelihood.

The project that will be built on a 2,500-hectare property in this town is expected to displace at least 200 families, mostly fishermen.

The families had been promised free housing, financial and education assistance and livelihood by SMC.

Gerry Valiente, 55, a fisherman and one of those facing dislocation, described Ang’s commitment as “good news,” adding that residents had been pleading to SMC to consider the people’s welfare once construction starts.

Ang said SMC was looking for a relocation site near a river to let the residents continue fishing, which is their main source of income.

Avelino Valiente, a community leader, said even before Ang made the commitment, they had been told by village leaders about the promise of decent relocation and livelihood. Carmela Reyes-Estrope/TSB