Lorega fire victims get livelihood aid

CEBU, Philippines - Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has turned over a check worth P125,000 to fire victims in Barangay Lorega, Cebu City.

Cayetano gave the amount to the members of the Camansi Homeowners Association to serve as capital for their livelihood.

“Dapat may trabaho para may kita kayo. Sana pagbalik ko dito 30 days to 45 days from now lumago na ang puhunan,” said Cayetano.

The money will be used to purchase brand new sewing machine and additional capital.

Mayor Mike Rama urged the residents to be cooperative in cleaning their surroundings while the rehabilitation in the area is ongoing.

Association president Richeliou Villaganas thanked Cayetano on behalf of his more than 200 members. He promised that the amount will be used to improve their lives.

Cayetano said the money did not come from the government or from pork barrel queen Janet Lim Napoles. He said it came from successful businessmen who wish to help the poor.

 Meanwhile, Cayetano asked the national government to play an increased role in responding to calamities, pushing for a comprehensive and quick program for Filipino families affected, especially by fire incidents.

“Dapat gawing komprehensibo ang programa ng gobyerno. Hindi pwede yung bibigyan nang gobyerno ng konting tulong yung nasunugan, tapos wala na, bahala na sila sa buhay nila,” Cayetano said.

 Cayetano had visited fire victims not only in Cebu but across the country to provide financial assistance.

Cayetano earlier pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1940 which seeks to create an “Emergency Response Department” that will be headed by a person with a rank of Cabinet Secretary.

 The proposed department will only focus on disaster preparedness all year round. (FREEMAN)