CH places Kamputhaw under state of calamity

CEBU, Philippines — Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City is now under a state of calamity.

The City Council, in its special session, approved the motion yesterday.

Purok 3, Kamputhaw was struck by fire last December 5 and at least 716 individuals were affected.

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) Chief Nagiel Banacia said the special session was only a formality with regards to the releasing of the disaster fund.

He said the financial aid was already given to the victims.

Each family received P20,000 while the renters and less affected households received P10,000.

"Ang direction sa Kamputhaw kay mag reblocking, which is gi-negotiate na sa DWUP, " he said

Division of the Welfare for the Urban Poor (DWUP) Genevieve Alcoseba said that they still haven't sent the formal communication to the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu.

Alcoseba said that they are still working on the documents that need to be attached with the letter to UP.

She said that it will be sent to the university as soon as they finish everything.

One of these documents would be the reblocking scheme of the barangay, which is conducted by DWUP and City Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW).

UP owns the estimated three-hectare property where the victims' houses used to stand and UP Chancellor Liza Corro said that they will lease the fire-stricken area to the victims last week.

The fire victims still can't go back to their properties, and they will be spending Christmas at the Purok 8 gymnasium. — Isabella G. Obor, USJR intern/GAN (FREEMAN)