12/30/2011 [ tribune.net.ph ]
Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday assured families affected by tropical storm “Sendong” in Iligan City that the national government, in partnership with the local government unit (LGU), will help them rebuild their houses.
“It is really sad especially as the New Year is upon us. But the government is here, ready to provide help,” the Vice President said.
“For the victims’ properties that are not in the danger zones, we will help in providing materials to build your homes and Pag-IBIG (Home Development Mutual Fund) members, you can avail pf loans and insurance claims,” he added.
Non-Pag-IBIG members, on the other hand, were assured of assistance from the National Housing Authority through socialized housing.
Binay also told the residents that President Aquino ordered not to allow them to return to the danger zones to keep them safe.
Binay, however, reassured that he had already asked Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz to search for relocation sites for those who live along danger areas such as rivers, creeks and other waterways.
“The mayor said, what is needed is to find 30 hectares for relocation. This is why we are revisiting the places and houses so everybody can be given homes as quickly as possible. We just have to distinguish Pag-IBIG and non-Pag-IBIG members,” he said.
“Philip Morris also provided a little help and we will use this for relief operations and disinfectants for the houses,” he added.
While in Iligan, Binay handed out 4,700 bags of canned goods, noodles and biscuits at the Iligan National High School, Marawi State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Luinab Elementary School, Hinaplanon Elementary School and Iligan City East Central School.
Earlier, Binay visited Cagayan de Oro City and Negros Oriental to check on the situation of the survivors, hand out relief goods and condole with families who lost their loved ones due to the typhoon.
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