Tent city opening moved next week

CEBU, Philippines - Initially scheduled today, the opening of the Red Cross tent city has been moved next week due to logistical setbacks.

"At the rate we are going, I'm eyeing an opening on Wednesday," said South Road Properties Management Office head Roberto "Bu" Varquez.

When Varquez yesterday afternoon inspected the Family Rebuilding Center site within the 13,000 square meter City Hall bloc at SRP, the area was muddy due to the rain which has softened the backfilled soil.

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Cebu OIC Vic Jay Gonzal further said that for their part, the arrival of their order for the gravel pavement is also one of their logistical concerns since it is still set to arrive today.

Further, while about 60 tents have already been setup, utilities have not been installed but is set to do so today.

Varquez revealed that the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) will waive about P144,000 for the deposit or pre-installment fee for electricity supply for the tent city.

Basic facilities within the tent city like communal toilets, a clinic, office and activity areas have yet to finish construction.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has yet to do an ocular inspection in the tent city and so is PRC chairman Richard Gordon, who is currently in Cebu for a different engagement.

Priority recipients for the Family Rehabilitation Center are displaced residents of Samar and Leyte who have been forced to flee their homes after their homes have been ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda.

Meanwhile, an exit conference is set between Department of Social Welfare and Development 7 and the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare Services before the formal turnover of the national agency to the local government unit on the manning of evacuation centers on Monday.

DSWS chief Ester Concha said it is possible that the temporary shelters in certain barangays in Cebu will be closed as soon as the tent city opens.

"Maybe. We will talk with the mayor about it," Concha said.  (FREEMAN)