NRA residents await financial aid

CEBU, Philippines - Residents who were asked to vacate the city-owned property at the North Reclamation Area (NRA) are still awaiting financial assistance from the Cebu City Government.

As of yesterday, three families have already voluntarily dismantled their structures and moved to the relocation site in La Guerta, barangay Lahug.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) said they are yet to determine if families are eligible to receive financial assistance from the government.

DSWS Head Esther Concha said her office has not been furnished a copy of the master list.

All 36 families are eligible to avail of the city’s housing program based on the socio-economic survey.

She clarified that availing of the financial assistance is not automatic, considering that the families are not in the danger areas.

To recall, those who were evicted at the Mahiga creek were provided a P10,000 livelihood assistance after they were cleared within the three meter easement zone of the creek.

Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor said DSWS will determine if the 36 families are eligible for assistance.

Mary Joy Demecillo, 33 years old, one of the affected residents said her family direly needs financial assistance at the moment.

She said she just lost her job while she has four children still in school. Losing her home is another blow on their already difficult life.

Demecillo said it would have helped had the government granted them more time to prepare to be relocated.

Jojie Ciampo said she also needs financial assistance from the government because her husband’s daily income is not enough to support their basic needs.

Her husband is a carpenter with no regular income. She has four children.—(FREEMAN)