Manila sets aside P200M for fire victims’ relocation

The city Council of Manila  will allocate P200 million of its   funds for the relocation and rebuilding of  homes of  1,500 families displaced by the fire that hit Isla Puting Bato last month.

The move was embodied in a resolution authored by First District Councilor Dennis Alcoreza and approved Thursday by the council, led by Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

Land, house budget

The money will also be used for the establishment of a staging area at Barangay 20  prior to the  relocation of the residents.

The funds will be  spent  for the initial costs of land acquisition and the construction of houses for the fire victims.

Residents’ welfare

In adopting and passing the resolution, the City Council invoked Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code, which empowers the city government to exercise its powers necessary to promote and protect the general welfare of  city residents.

Necessary move

Alcoreza said the move was necessary since residents affected by the fire were no longer allowed to rebuild their homes on the same site.

Although Mayor Alfredo Lim has already assured a relocation site for the displaced families, the councilor said  the implementation would take some  time.

Many of the victims  are still  staying at the Del Pan Sports Complex, where they are exposed to various illnesses caused by the congestion.

The City Council said  that to avoid creating more problems for the refugees, it was imperative to allow them to return to Isla Puting Bato where they can  rebuild their homes and start a new life.