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.
