Quezon City to develop razed property

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government will develop the 2.3-hectare property that was razed during a six-hour blaze in Balintawak on New Year’s Day.

In a text message to The STAR, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista said the city will develop the area by providing wide roads, erecting a bridge and installing fire hydrants.

Three people died, five others were injured and an estimated 4,000 families lost their homes after a fire broke out at an informal settler community in Barangay Apolonio Samson at around 6:45 a.m.

Reports earlier said a kwitis (a type of firecracker) that entered a house in the area may have caused the fire, which was put out by 12:45 p.m.

In a phone interview, city administrator Aldrin Cuña said the city government will not allow the families to reconstruct their shanties as the area has been identified as part of the local government’s community mortgage program. He said development will start following clearing operations.

The affected families are currently staying at basketball courts and public schools in the area.

“We have already installed portalets, and have coordinated with Maynilad and Manila Water,” said the city administrator.

“The DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will also help us in assisting those affected by the fire,” he added.

In addition to providing food and medication, Bautista said they will account for the number of families who are qualified for housing programs of the National Housing Authority and the city government.