RESPONDING to calls for assistance from the local government of Navotas, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Saturday sent portable toilets and water tankers to alleviate the plight of hundreds of homeless residents affected by a huge fire last Thursday.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino also ordered the deployment of at least 40 construction workers in barangays Navotas West and Sitat to construct wooden mattresses for the displaced residents who are now temporarily housed in evacuation centers.
“We have provided portalets and tankers so they would have adequate supply of water. We support Mayor John Rey Tiangco’s efforts to help his constituents,” Tolentino said.
He added there are plans to field 30 more members of the MMDA’s Construction Equipment Management Office (Cemo) to help in the reconstruction efforts. The agency will also bring in construction materials.
The MMDA workers have been tasked to construct at least 200 wooden beds for evacuees.
There are already 75 members of Roadway Clearing Group (RCG), Roadway Cleaning Operations Group (RCOG), and Cemo presently working at the site.
At least 7,000 families were left homeless when a fire razed a depressed area in barangays Navotas West and Sitat Thursday evening. Two children were reportedly killed.
Tolentino said the MMDA is ready to provide all forms of assistance to local governments in distress.
The MMDA, he added, is always on hand to extend aid to cities and municipalities ravaged by disasters.
In the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy last year, the agency led the rehabilitation of Marikina, Muntinlupa and other storm-hit areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Last June 2009, the MMDA deployed workers and engineers to Pangasinan, five towns of which, including the capital city of Alaminos, were extremely damaged by Typhoon Emong.
The MMDA contingent also brought in equipment and helped clear, repair, and reconstruct roadways, villages and vital infrastructures in the municipalities of Bolinao, Bani, Anda, and Agno.
In July 2008, the agency also sent a 300-man team to Iloilo City and Kalibo, Aklan which were badly hit by Typhoon Frank.
Armed with heavy equipment, the MMDA workers cleared and de-clogged silt and debris in the inlets and drainages near the Iloilo Domestic Airport. (AH/Sunnex)