CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said they are looking for ways to relocate the more than 100 families displaced by a fire affecting barangays Puntod and Lapasan over the weekend.
Moreno said fire victims should not be encouraged to rebuild where the fire occurred, but instead convince them to relocate.
"Kung dili sila musugot, taman ra diha ilang kinabuhi. We need to show to them nga ang kinabuhi sa relocation is a lot better sa kinabuihi sa informal settler community. Life in relocation projects is much better," Moreno said.
Moreno challenged City Hall employees to level up their response against fire incidents.
The mayor said giving out construction materials to the fire victims is not a solution, pointing out that it is the government's duty to do what is right and best for its people.
"Atong ihatag unsa ang dapat ihatag, the security of tenure. Our relocation projects in Balubal, Calaanan and Lumbia, look at how they are today. It was not easy in the beginning, but it's okay rather than allow them perpetually as informal settlers," Moreno said.
According to the City Social Welfare and Development, some 81 houses were totally damaged in barangay Puntod while 25 houses were totally wrecked in barangay Lapasan.
Initial investigation shows that food left unattended while cooking is likely the cause of the fire.