Lim calms down Bagong Bargyo folk
Posted on December 1, 2003 - Filed Under News |
CITY Mayor Benjamin S. Lim held a dialogue with Bagong Barrio folks to shed light on growing issues and concerns regarding the relocation of the informal settlers in Bonuan Gueset.
Some 286 residents participated in the dialogue including militant groups like the Katipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) and Gabriela.
Lim showed his compassion and understanding of the sitio folks some of whom were hesitant to transfer to a 1.2 hectare relocation site not far from the area even as he stressed the city government's desire to help them own decent homes and live in a peaceful environtment.
"I emphathize with your doubts and fears in the relocation plan but I assure this is all for your welfare," the mayor declared.
The relocation is in line with the city government's program to establish a bangus prosessing plant in Bagong Barrio, which according to experts, is a very suitable location because of its proximity to the sea.
Lim said these families will be given priority for job oppurtunities like bangus deboning once the processing plant starts operation. The plant, he said, can accommodate some 800 workers because the deboning process can only be performed by human hands.
The mayor caught the consciousness of the residents when he asked if they are contented with their present livelihood like fishing, even as he challenged them if fishing can enable them to provide a better future for their children.
Bangus deboning, according to Lim, does not require serious qualifications from employees aside from being healthy and with good eyesight.
"The salary you will earn from bangus deboning can afford you to send your children to school contrary to sending them out to catch fish," Lim explained.
Aside from employment opportunities, the city government will launch a socialized housing program for the informal settlers through Gawad Kalinga at the relocation site.
Beneficiaries of the socialized dwelling units will only need to pay as low as P200 a month and subsequently own the unit upon full payment of their respective lots for a short period of time.
According to Lim, the job in the plant can allow the beneficiaries to pay the low amortization of the lots.
The mayor will present the subdivision plan to the residents after deciding to meet them again soon to discuss more matters.
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