• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The city government is exploring a permanent relocation site for 23 families affected by a recent fire in Purok San Jose 2, Barangay Sum-ag, Bacolod City, to safely move residents away from identified danger zones.
Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Benitez presented the discussed housing solution during his visit to the fire victims Sept. 4.
“But if they really insist, I have to check if there is an engineering solution for their area so they won’t experience flooding anymore. Maybe, we can show the barangay what their options are; the final decision is up to them, but of course, we are giving them options on what’s best for them,” Benitez, also House deputy speaker, said.
The solon cited the community mortgage program under the Socialized Housing Finance Corporation, through which the government purchases through subsidized rates.
It will allow residents to secure formal land ownership by paying back the land cost through structured, long-term installments.
The fire victims supported the proposal, noting that the land they occupy is not their own and is prone to flooding.
Benitez, meanwhile, gave each affected family P5,000 from his personal funds, along with food packages from his office.
He said that affected families will also receive an additional P10,000 in financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. | TMD
