Heed the warnings, Aquino tells Oro folk
Thursday, 26 January 2012 00:00
PRESIDENT Aquino yesterday reminded the city to heed government warnings even as he urged the local government to stop people from living in disaster-prone areas. Speaking before hundreds of Typhoon Sendong victims at a relocation site in Calaanan, Barangay Canitoan, Aquino said it would be best for the people to be mindful of government advisories regarding natural calamities to prevent another disaster similar to what Typhoon Sendong caused last month. "Matuto na sana tayo sa ating mga kamalian at pagkukulang.. at 'wag maging pasaway sa mga kinaukulan," Aquino said. He said local officials should no longer tolerate those who insist on living in disaster-prone areas.
Although the city is not on the usual path of typhoons, he said, residents should still be alert to avoid the repeat of Sendong. "Di man natin maibabalik and mga buhay ng mga nasawi. Kaya nating mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng marami pa nating mga kababayan mula sa ano mang panganib," he said.
Meanwhile, Aquino announced that over P200 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's "quick response fund" has already been allocated for the construction of low-cost houses in various relocation sites in the city. He said areas in Balulang, Indahag, Gusa and Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental would be used as relocation areas. Aquino said the fund would also be used to repair public facilities damaged by Sendong and in the delivery of basic services to the the victims. Aquino also visited the Xavier Ecoville, a relocation site of about seven hectares donated by the Jesuit-run Xavier University in Barangay Lumbia. There, the construction of more houses are ongoing.
By JIGGER JERUSALEM
Correspondent
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