An electrifying loving response

There are already several Gawad Kalinga projects in Negros Occidental. One is in Escalante, Negros Occidental, where surrenderers have built 25 homes.

Then there is another one in Magsungay, Bacolod. The third zone, which I was just inquring about from Mrs. Chem Jimenez of the Auxiliary of the Canlaon Medical Society the other day, is in Hacienda Rosario in La Carlota City.

But the presence of Tony Meloto and communications director Maria Montelibano served to perk up a loving response in Negros’ capital to the appeal by Governor Joseph Maranon to support the resettlement of 1,000 squatter families behind the provincial capitol.

Suddenly, Gawad Kalinga sort of mesmerized the Negrenses, especially leaders of civic groups, religious organizations, and the elite. As if it had never been heard of before.

Perhaps, one of the principal reasons is that Meloto came from Bacolod, although having stayed a long time in Metro Manila. Still, that Ilonggo charm worked. So with his oozing love appeal, particularly that one about sharing of one’s time and resources with the poor.

Gov. Maranon, himself, also strongly endorsed the call for citizens support for Gawad Kalinga. The provincial government, he explains, had bought a long time back some 10.5 hectares in Mansilingan as relocated site.

And the court order calls for the resettlement of the first 150 families by the end of March Although he pointed out also that more than 400 families have already signed up for relocation.

Over the years, the once vacant lot of Barangays 6,7 and 8, have become crowded by homeless families. Most of these are fishermen, stevedores, provincial employees, and what is commonly called living on remedyos general. In short, jobless who scrounge around for a living wherever and whenever possible.

The area, however, also teems with stores, including those specializing in marine preparations. It has become a thriving jumble of a community. And like most, it is also a breeding place of crime. And drugs proliferate.

That’s not the problem. "Relocation does not simply mean transferring one slum to another. That’s not solving the problem," comments Maria.

Myths

Well, for a start, there is the participatory planning. Besides, the first thing to do is discard the thinking that poverty is charity work and not development, Tony Melito explained.

Development, on the other hand, does not imply increased income. Another myth, that there is need for a body of experts to begin development projects which need to be planned.

The other myth is that quality of life is equated with income.

The staff of the Governor’s Office, however, had already conducted a survey of the prospective relocatees. And they have discussed plans on how they can be provided livelihood assistance. After all, you just don’t transfer somebody to an area 10 kilometers away and leave him to fend off for himself. He may have a house, but that does not solve the problem of how to feed one’s family.

But these are things which Gawad Kalinga addresses with thorough preparation. Bob Magalona, the project director for Bacolod, said they have already readied for the end of March relocation.

The thrust of the Couples for Christ, the main proponent of the project, is to empower the poor to help themselves by creating for them an environment that allows them to change their values to new priorities.

Participatory planning is a must. One does not impose one’s idea on the beneficiaries. They must be consulted. They are the ones who can best articulate what they need.

In short, GK project must be visible, doable, sustainable, replicable.

Well, Maranon, discussed the project with civic and religious leaders, elicited a swift "loving response" at Bob’s Restaurant.

Before the media briefing, he pointed out that he had already 10 private individuals and groups who had pledged to put up 10 homes. And the provincial government has committed to set up 20 others. But last night, it must have perceptibly increased with many civic organizations pleding to support it.

"This is a major challenge. When we came here a week ago, we learned about the project. And we offered our help. This poses a major dare. If we can finish with it, the province of Negros Occidental can serve as pilot model of how we, a Christian society, can solve our squatters’ problem," pointed out Meloto.

Incidentally, what makes it more colorful is that the houses are colored. Thus, a GK community presents the visitor a variety of sights, And as often happens, there is more commitment to beautify homes and their surroundings.

Magalona said the houses designed by the United Architects of the Philippines (Negros chapter), measures 20 square meters with a 63 square meter lot. "We shall start building an entire block of four-home clusters."

At any rate, the go-signal has been given. More and more Negrenses are flocking to the Gawad Kalinga Mansilingan project. And by March 30, the first 150 relocatees are going to transfer there.

Transport paralysis

Public transport workers yesterday undertook a more pervasive transport strike after their Thursday effort failed to completely prevent some jeepney and bus companies from pushing through with their operations.

Actually, it may have been more of an eighty percent success. This time, they also appealed to all private vehicle owners to join their cause. Primarily the postponement of the smoke emission test implementation.

Provincial police Supt. Vicente Ponteras said he saw some jeepneys, cabs and tricycles plying Bacolod streets. Not only that, a survey by the undersigned showed that tricycles plied their routes even in the prinicipal streets of the city.

Jessie Ortega of the United Negros Drivers Operations Center, and Pancho Paramio, president of the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association claimed a 90 percent participation in the strike.

Maranon, however, expressed disappointment with the strike. He had earlier appealed to the strike leaders not to push it through as he had already secured from LTO chief Roberto Lastimoso a moratorium on the smoke emission tests. Besides Lastimoso will dialogue Monday with the strike leaders on their concerns at the provincial administration center.

The strikers were not only contesting the smoke emission test but also the latest round of fuel hikes and their demand for a re-adjustment of fares.

But, as of yesterday, there were less vehicles plying Bacolod’s streets.