Ordinance for quicker response, aid to calamity victims sought

“WE WILL have to craft an ordinance, a time frame for the quick response to calamity victims.”

Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy responded to the special report of Councilor Romeo Calizo about the problems faced by fire victims who have to stay long in temporary evacuation sites.

Among others, Calizo expressed concern over the health and welfare of the families affected by the calamity.

“I think there is already existing coming from the City Social Welfare and Development but it must be pondered for strict compliance for such time frame after and before the fire occurred,” Uy said.

He pointed out that while there are real complexities in addressing the issues presented, there is a need to provide solutions to these.

“Our main goal here is the quick response coming from the government, not just the band-aid solution,” he stressed.

The vice mayor thanked Calizo for bringing the matter to the legislative body.

For his part, Councilor Teodulfo Lao said calamity victims will be able to leave evacuation centers if the financial assistance is immediately given to them.

“If only we can fast-track the distribution of financial assistance to be given in one week, they can outright have a rented house as their temporary shelter while they are constructing their permanent houses,” he added.

He also recommended the use of the roof decks of some new school buildings, instead of covered courts, as evacuation sites.

“Kay luoy sad ang bata diha bugnaw gyud kaayo unya wala pay ensaktong facility like comfort rooms unlike atong roof deck karon naay CR daan,” he pointed out.

Uy has referred the report to the committees on social services, on barangay affairs and on urban poor respectively chaired by Councilors Reuben Daba, Yan Lam Lim, and Ian Mark Nacaya for appropriate action. (sp)