By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – “Narito po ang inyong
gobyerno upang akayin kayo sa bawat hakbang tungo sa mas mabilis at ganap na
rehabilitasyon. Naka-angkla ang ating plano sa isang malinaw na istratehiya,
build back better” (Your government is with you every step towards faster and
complete rehabilitation. Our plan is anchored on one clear strategy, build back
better), Pres. Benigno Aquino III emphasized during his visit here, yesterday.
President Aquino, who inspected the condition of the evacuees and the
bunkhouses inside Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (Grandstand), said
the government is not just trying to erase traces of the tragic past during the
MNLF-Misuari faction attack but it is pushing for Zamboanga City to stand back
on its feet stronger and better.
The President said his government is making sure that the rehabilitation
of the affected areas in the city will give the victims safer and better condition.
“We have allocated P3.5 billion for the Zamboanga City Road Map to
Recovery and Reconstruction or Z3R. This includes shelter assistance,
infrastructure, and assistance to more than 5,600 affected families,” Aquino
explained.
According to him, the government’s priorities are those families whose
houses were razed or destroyed during the September siege.
“Walang sinasayang na oras ang inyong gobyerno para tugunan ang inyong
pangangailangan. Tungkulin ko pong siguraduhing mas mabuti ang inyong kalagayan
sa hinaharap,” (Your government is not wasting any time to address all your
needs. It is my duty to ensure you have a better life in the future.) the
President said.
Aquino explained to the evacuees that the bunkhouses are just temporary
shelter assistance. He said they are making sure that the areas for relocation
where their permanent homes will be built are safe, have enough facilities, and
peaceful.
Pres. Aquino promised them that the government will be there for them.
“Sa kabila ng patung-patong na suliranin na kinakaharap ng ating bayan sa
kasalukuyan, hindi po makakaligtaan ng gobyerno ang inyong kapakanan at ang mga
pangangailangan,” (Despite the different problems our country is facing, your
government will never forget your welfare and your needs.) Aquino stressed.
Before the President ended his speech, he presented the architectural
renderings of the different houses that will be built for the rehabilitation
and reconstruction efforts within six to 18 months. Aquino said the
rehabilitation and reconstruction plan of the city, carefully studied by the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the local government of
Zamboanga, and UP PLANADES, include planned road networks, drainage system, and
sanitary system on the stealth houses for the badjaos.
President Aquino, finally, left a strong challenge to everybody to make
all efforts successful.
“I urged all of you to help us and be on the same page with us, united
and helping one another. We will do everything that we can, but we can hasten
our job because you, our bosses, are also working hand in hand with us. We will
not stop until you are in a better situation and condition. (PIA9)
