News Briefs

FIRE VICTIMS NEED HELP

FIRE victims in barangay Tejero need medicine, food and relief materials, said barangay captain Jessielou Cadungog.

Packed meals rationed by the city government will run out after lunchtime today.

The barangay captain is asking city officials for help.

The barangay council declared sitios Luoban, Back Blessed Sacrament and Inahan sa Kanunayng Panabang as calamity areas and appropriated P111,130 for relief and housing materials for the affected families.

Another P20,000 would be used to buy medicine like cephalixin to treat infections, alcohol, cottonballs, bandage and other items to replenish supplies at the barangay health center.

Most  of the 211 families affected are in the Tejero Sports Complex while the others have set up makeshift tents near their burnt shanties.

Of the victims, at least 10  sustained burns and cuts while they tried to save their valuables from the fire.

Among those who sustained burns was Melchor dela Cruz, whose house was said to have been the origin of the fire.

Initial reports from the city fire department said that a gasoline tank from Dela Cruz’s residence exploded causing the fire.

Dizon assured the barangay council that the City Council’s political differences with mayor Michael Rama would not get in the way of the release of aid. /Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

Demolition

THE Cebu City government’s anti-squatting team yesterday warned families living along the creek in sitio Lahing-Lahing in barangay Mabolo to keep out of the creek’s three-meter easement or their houses or structures would be demolished.

Noel Artes, head of the city’s anti-squatting team, said the 15-day notice to vacate issued on 35 house owners would lapse on July 17.

After this, the dredging of the creek in the area will start.

“Anytime from now mo sulod na ang mga heavy equipment so kinahanglan na gyud ma vacate ang area,” he said.

Clearing of the three-meter easement of the creek in sitio Lahing-Lahing is part of the city’s effort to clear its waterways of obstruction and reduce flooding.

Lahing-Lahing residents, however, asked for a 60-day extension from July 17 to clear the area. They said  they didn’t want their children’s education to be affected.

Artes turned down the request. He said the city government couldn’t wait for a tragedy to happen before clearing the waterways.

In May, 39 structures were removed from along the Mahiga Creek. Affected families are now temporarily staying at the city lot in Block 27, at the North Reclamation Area. /Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

Soca

TWO city mayors will give an account of their achievements for the year when they will deliver their State of the City Address (Soca) this month.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said she would deliver her Soca at 10 a.m. on July 20 at the Hoops Dome in barangay Gun-ob.

Radaza’s accomplishments include rendering social services to senior citizens, intensified tourism promotion of the city and tax collection among business establishments.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes was expected to give his Soca during the inauguration of the City Council’s session hall by the end of July.

His achievements include the city’s automation project, concreting of roads and providing relocation sites to indigent constituents. /Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos