Baseco declared under state of calamity

The Manila City Council has placed Baseco Compound under a state of calamity to speed up the reclamation and rehabilitation works in the area in Tondo, Manila, where some 3,500 shanties were destroyed by a fire on Black Saturday.

The councilors unanimously approved the resolution placing Baseco Compound under a state of emergency as authored by Councilors Kim Atienza and Cita Astals, both from the city’s Fifth District.

All the members of the council, including the presiding officer, have been made co-authors of the measure.

Atienza, who earlier visited the razed compound, recognized the need to boost the effort of the city government to rehabilitate the area. "I have seen for myself the devastation caused by the fire. They need all the help they can get."

Some 6,000 families or 47,000 people were rendered homeless by the blaze, which destroyed at least 3,499 shanties in 14 blocks of the 52-hectare area.

Observers, however, said politicians are taking advantage of the plight of the residents to advance their political ambitions.

Meanwhile, employees of Manila City Hall will also observe the four-day work week policy designed by Malacañang to promote domestic tourism, Mayor Lito Atienza said yesterday.

Atienza directed all department heads to ensure smooth implementation of the adjusted official working hours for the summer months of April and May this year.

The mayor said all department heads should also ensure that at least 50 percent of their work force shall report on Mondays and the other half on Fridays. He instructed that there must be a complete workforce on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.