PRESIDENTIAL Assistant for the Visayas Terence Calatrava has committed to seek funds from the national government in order to provide housing for fire victims in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City.
Mayor Jonas Cortes confirmed the matter to reporters on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.
Cortes said he talked with Calatrava on Monday night, Dec. 19, to provide aid to affected fire victims living in Sitio Paradise, Barangay Looc.
According to Cortes, Calatrava vowed to bring up the matter during the 13th Cabinet meeting held at Malacañang, which happened on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Cortes said Calatrava had promised to convince other national agencies such as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, among others, to fast-track the implementation of housing projects set for the Looc fire victims.
He stressed they are the most severely affected informal settlers.
Earlier, the Mandaue City Government provided P10,000 cash assistance to about 700 families affected by the fire.
Cortes said as much as he wants the City to provide houses for victims of calamities, he also needs to think of the city’s other needs.
Cortes said he now waits for Calatrava’s hopefully positive feedback from the Cabinet meeting.