Senator eyes measure to give permanent housing for those living in ‘danger zones’

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is eyeing to pass a measure that will provide permanent housing to families living in the danger zones.

Gatchalian made the statement during his visit at Sitio Paradise, Barangay Looc, Mandaue City on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.

Sitio Paradise was recently hit with a massive fire on Nov. 23, 2022 that destroyed 250 houses.

The senator said he will coordinate with the Mandaue City Government on what they can do in terms of permanent housing for the fire victims.

Gatchalian said he visited Sitio Paradise to see for himself the situation in order to come up with measures on how to prevent the same incident, not just in Mandaue but in the entire Philippines.

When asked whether he will pass a legislation concerning the families living in danger zones, Gatchalian said it would be best to determine first how many of them are in the same situation.

Gatchalian said he also visited Navotas City recently, which he noted as having the same situation as Sitio Paradise.

The senator also gave relief goods to around 670 affected families, particularly rice, from the Gatchalian family, as he assured them that they will not neglect them.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Government turned over relief goods on the same day in the form of rice, canned goods, hygiene kits, water and other necessities.

Provincial Board (PB) Member Glenn Anthony Soco (Cebu, Sixth), who was present during the distribution along with fellow PB member Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, said he had no idea as to the cost of the assistance but stressed that it is quite substantial.

When asked whether the provincial government will also give financial assistance, Soco said he does not want to preempt the plans of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, although they have already discussed something about it.

On the same day, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan also personally handed the city government’s P1 million assistance through a check to the city government for the fire victims. (MKG)