ARAYAT, Pampanga — Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda is eyeing the construction of temporary bunk houses in a proposed site near Mt. Arayat in a bid to relocate some 270 landslide-affected families here.
Pineda said she cannot allow the said families “to live like sardines” under their makeshift shelters at the Arayat National Park in Barangay San Juan Bano here.
Nanay Baby made this appeal to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to allow her administration to construct the said bunk houses.
It can be recalled that the DENR-MGB has disapproved the said relocation site in San Juan Bano, as it is located within the danger zone.
Pineda said she told the DENR that the bunkhouses will be used by the affected families temporarily, just to get them out of their present “pitiful” condition.
However, she said that should the need arises for them to be relocated in a safer place, she has no option but to do so as she cannot allow them to live in dreadful conditions.
“Marami na sa kanila ang dinadapuan ng sakit na tuberkulosis dahil sa lamig at init. Nagtitiis sila sa lakas ng ulan at nagsasama-sama sila sa iisang kumot tuwing gabi. Sinong hindi maaawa sa kanila sa gayong napakasamang kalagayan? Pineda lamented.
With this, the governor instructed the provincial engineer’s office led by Engr. Armando Austria to speed up the provision of temporary shelters at the proposed relocation area.
“They have been living in makeshift shelters for months now, and with the onset of the rainy season, I am very much worried that their exposure to the bad weather would adversely affect their health conditions, especially the young children,” Nanay Baby said.
Relief distribution
True to her promise, Nanay Baby revisited the landslide-affected families in their makeshift shelters and brought them much-needed relief goods and assistance.
The Governor was joined by Provincial Board Members Monz Laus, Trina Dizon, Cris Garbo, Raul Macalino and Joel Simpauco, local municipal and barangay officials.
Assorted relief goods were distributed to the almost 1,000 individuals in the area who visibly appreciated the Governor’s concern for their health and welfare.
Aside from relief goods, a total of 500 bowls of porridge provided by Mayor Annette Balgan of Macabebe town were distributed to the families.
Joel P. Mapiles
Central Luzon Daily
