Mayor lauded for fast rehab of 'Sendong' survivors

DESPITE the harsh criticisms hurled against him by some individuals after Tropical Storm ‘Sendong’ hit Cagayan de Oro last year, Mayor Vicente felt elated to have received recognition from a business tycoon.

During his recent surprise visit at the permanent resettlement area in Sitio Calaanan, Barangay Canitoan, Don Fernando Zobel de Ayala, a renowned businessman and overall chairperson of Habitat for Humanity Foundation, gave two thumbs up sign to Emano for doing a good job.

Ayala said Emano has done a good job in settling down ‘Sendong’ survivors in just a short period of time.

He said Emano moved very fast and had indeed cooperated with them in complying with the requirements to build thousands of houses for the flood victims.

Ayala also lauded Emano for catching up with the given deadline imposed by President Benigno Aquino III.

With the positive feedback from Ayala, Emano said he is more inspired to build more houses not just for the ‘Sendong’ survivors but to everyone in need -- may it renters, sharers and families living in no return zones.

Emano said at present, construction of houses is already 90 percent and are ready for formal turnover to the beneficiaries assessed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

He assured that since there are still concerned agencies who pledged to help in constructing more houses, “everybody will be provided with houses that they can call their own within this year.”

Ayala also announced that more development projects will be given to Cagayan de Oro.

“After providing the beneficiaries with decent homes, plans for business investments here will be added to our list to provide more jobs for everyone,” he said.