Some survivors not leaving yet

CEBU, Philippines - Last year's super typhoon survivors who are occupying the tent city at the South Road Properties were reminded anew by the city government that March 23 is their last day in the place.

Ester Concha, chief of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), said in a meeting with the survivors last Monday that some of the survivors expressed reservations on returning to their hometown in Tacloban City.

Nevertheless, Concha said they assured the victims that the city government will be providing exit programs for them once the grace period ends and they still have nowhere to go.

"Gi-remind nato sila gabii, para duna pa sila'y ample time to prepare. Naa ta'y exit programs i-provide sa mga dili na gusto mobalik pa sa Leyte kay na-trauma pa sa nahitabo," said Concha.

Those who will return to their hometowns, ravaged by monster typhoon Yolanda last November 8, will also be assisted, Concha said.

"Abagan gihapon nato sila. Tagaan nato sila og plete pauli ug ihatod nato sila sa pier," she added.

The DSWS chief further said that they will also conduct another stress debriefing for those who have not yet recovered from their trauma.

Asked if the city government will consent to an extension should the survivors appeal, Concha said she is not in the right position to give an answer to the matter.

She said though that as what was initially agreed upon, the survivors only have until March 23 to stay at the facility, exactly three months since they were temporarily housed there.

Mayor Michael Rama, in a press conference said he will sit with Concha, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), SRP head of Management Office Roberto "Bu" Varquez, and lawyer and former councilor Joy Pisquera, who oversees tent city, to discuss the matter.

In an earlier report, Vic Jay Gonzal of the PRC said the survivors are already allowed to leave the facility and stay for good in Cebu City if they can secure jobs here.

A private group, he said, has also expressed interest in providing livelihood trainings to those who are still unemployed.

Currently, there are 54 families, comprising a total of 192 individuals, staying under tents aligned at SRP.  (FREEMAN)