No rebuilding of houses in danger zones–DILG-7

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government-7 is again calling on local government units in the typhoon-stricken areas to implement the no-build policy in danger zones.

DILG-7 assistant regional director Elias Fernandez said that around 500,000 households will be affected by this policy. The department has identified 15 towns and one city where these households are located.

These are the towns of Bantayan, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Sta. Fe, Sogod, Tuburan, Tabogon, Tabuelan, San Francisco, Poro, Pilar Tudela, Medellin, Madridejos, Borbon and the City of Bogo.

Fernandez said the over 500,000 households are located in danger zones like areas prone to storm surges or tsunamis, floods landslides and earthquakes.

"LGUs should prepare for resettlement of these affected households especially we are on our way towards rehabilitation and reconstruction," said Fernandez during the press briefing conducted by the Philippine Information Agency-7 at the MIP Lounge of the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City.

Fernandez added that when super typhoon Yolanda hit the 16 areas, over 138,000 homes were damaged. Of these 67,319 houses were destroyed and 71,432 houses were damaged.

Fernandez further said that with such destruction, it will take P54.4 million to shelter victims and another P56.5 million to provide them livelihood assistance.  (FREEMAN)