VICE PRESIDENT Leni Robredo is pressing for immediate livelihood assistance and housing for all vicitms of the landslide at level 070 in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet.
Robredo had a dialogue with the affected families and thanked the rescuers at level 070. Among the discussions were the ample supply of relief, but underscored the problem on livelihood as government starts crackdown on all small scale mining in the Cordillera region and housing.
“Madali lang sabihin na itigil pero mas mabuti sana isipin papano iyong kabuhayan nila,” said Robredo.
Robredo said people will be having a hard time understanding the purpose of closure of livelihood until there is no alternative given.
“Alam nila na nanganganib iyong buhay nila, nanganganib iyong kalikasanan natin pero marami kasi iyong kumakapit talaga sa patalim dahil sa kahirapan. Dapat iniintindi natin iyon, sinisiguro natin siyempre first and foremost iyong kaligtasan pero sa pagisip ng kaligtasan hindi puwedeng sabihin natin sarado na itigil na walang binibigay na alternatibo,” added Robredo.
Robredo added her office has allotted fund for livelihood assistance to the affected families.
“Mayroong pondo na inilaan ang aming opisina para sa livelihood assistance pero gusto natin mapapunta sa tama. Ayaw natin na mapunta sa livelihood assistance pero maubos lang sa hindi pangkabuhayan. Kaya iyon iyong inexplain ko sa kanila na mas mabuting pagplanuhan kung saan mapupunta iyong tulong para mahaba iyong tulong,” she added.
She stated their office is ready to discuss and plan in the coming days in providing livelihood assistance, although there is no exact number of beneficiaries yet.
The Vice President also sought for a permanent relocation site as a solution for the evacuees to start their livelihood. Without relocation sites for displaced families, Robredo added they will not be able to find permanent livelihood.
“Iyong sa kanila talaga permanenteng relocation, iyon yong number one, kasi hindi talaga sila makahanap ng hanapbuhay until hindi nila alam saan sila marerelocate. Pag-uusapan naman with the agency saan ba iyong possible relocation site. Nandoon iyong pangangailangan nila, ang worry natin pagtapos na ito lahat dahil walang mababalikan matempt bumalik. Iyon iyong ayaw natin na dahil walang makapitan alam nilang dangerous gagawin pa din nila,” Robredo added.
On Saturday, search and retrieval continue with only 10 persons still declared missing.
As of September 29, the number of deaths recorded in Itogon reached 87 with 16 missing. At level 070, data shows 59 have died with six still unidentified.
Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said 233 families in Itogon opted to rent while 280 availed of the “Balik Probinsiya” program while 75 families remain undecided.
At the level 070 Rescuers were able to locate main portal of the old mining tunnel of Benguet Corporation where the missing persons allegedly sought safety during the typhoon Ompong.
Rescuers comprised of 503rd brigade, Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO-COR) Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Benguet Provincial Police, local government units and civilian volunteers composed of the Philex Mining Group, Benguet Corp, Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Health and together with the four back hoes continue the retrieval operation as they are now concentrating to clear the 10-meter-thick mud in front of the portal.
Chief superintendent Rolando Nana, regional director of PRO-COR said evacuation centers are present at the Wangal Sports Complex with tents set up by the DSWD and the police.
The first occupants of the tent in Wangal are from Sitio Garrison in Ucab.
As of Friday afternoon, some 148 individual occupants were on the site in preparation of the typhoon Paeng.
“Kapag hindi sila susunod especially iyong areas na highly susceptible sa landslide, siyempre force evacuation isasagawa at ito kapag pumangit iyong panahon babalikan ng ating mga kapulisan iyong kanilang mga kabahayan,” Nana added.