Total of 800 temporary shelters officially turnedover to Marawi displaced residents after the siege

photo screenshot from video by UNTV

Manila, Philippines – Before December 2017 ends residents in family who have been staying in evacuation centers will be able to move in to their temporary shelters.

These families have stayed in centers for almost seven months since the fight between government forces and Maute group started in May.

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte led the turnover ceremony of 500 shelters in Barangay Sagongsongan, Marawi City.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) confirmed that 250 units out of 500 are ready before this year ends, while the other 250 can be occupied come January 7, 2018.

“The houses are furnished with electricity and water line. However, electricity needs to be connected to the main line as well as the water supply needs to be connected to the main line that’s why we’re delaying the actual occupancy of the houses,” said the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chief Eduardo del Rosario.

Meanwhile, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra said that families who are in terrible condition will be prioritized.

 “Priority will be given to those who are in dire need especially those who are staying in evacuation centers and those renting outside the city.” He said.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is also set to turnover 300 temporary shelters on Wednesday in Matungao, Lanao del Norte.

The government’s target is to provide a total of 1,170 temporary shelters to displaced residents by February 2018.

Various government agencies have also helped out giving toolkits, pre-employment assistance fund, and equipment for farming or fishing. 

“We have created a special program which will give financing interest-free up to 100,000 for eligible borrowers who have already put up their business before and we will ask for certain documents showing that they just need to start again,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Electric bills of the residents for six months will be shouldered by the government for the mean time and will continue to receive food stubs.

 source: UNTV