Ormoc relocates Yolanda survivors

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — The city government has already relocated a total of  three hundred fifteen families to the transition houses in Barangay Conception.

The transfer of Internally Displace Persons (IDP) started Mar. 1 with 306 families moving in to the said site.

Assisted by personnel and logistics of the local government, the first wave arrived at 9:45 a.m. and were greeted (same with those who arrived later) with City Social Welfare Development goodies such as 25 kilo-rice packs, canned goods and other needs. As of Mar. 3, the count increased to 315 IDPs.

City Administrator Atty. Francis Pepito told this reporter that the successful voluntary transfer (of residents) was attributed to the much improved bunkhouses.

"With an ideal drainage system, electronic devices charging station and a camp management team composed of CSWD, PNP and City Health Office present in the area, people are assured of a decent domicile. Thanks to Mayor Edward Codilla, who is receptive to the needs of his constituents," he said. The site has also a social area where people can interact and enjoy TV viewing.

"I did not publicly announce my plan before these (transfer) activities. Those who are cooperative and have already transferred to the bunkhouses will be in the priority list of the planned permanent housing units."  Codilla has already donated 50 hectares of  land for the purpose.

Joel Recosano, a security guard who relocated with his family, felt secured. "I don't mind travelling to my duty assignment in the city as long as my family is safe."

He is also positive that their future is assured with Codilla's plan. "Living in a bunkhouse only needs little adjustments since our basic necessities are provided for by the local government," he said in Visayan dialect.

Though it has 528 units, the bunkhouse in Conception can only accommodate a maximum of 448 families because larger families are allocated with two units. —/JMD (FREEMAN)