SAN JOSE, Antique – A total of 18 informal settlers each received P10,000 financial assistance from the provincial government for their relocation.
These informal settlers were affected by the ongoing P50-million Malandog River Rehabilitation and Development Project (MRRDP), particularly the construction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office.
“Gov. Rhodora Cadiao led the distribution of the assistance to the beneficiaries who would be relocating from the reclaimed area in Barangay Maybato North to Barangay Mapatag resettlement site (in San Jose),” said Eby Butiong, provincial government housing board secretary.
They were given financial assistance so they would have some money to use as they transfer to the resettlement site provided them by the provincial government.
However, of the 18 informal settlers, eight signified interest to temporarily live with relatives until the provincial government provides them with another resettlement site that is near their former residence.
“They found the resettlement site quite far,” Butiong said.
The eight who rejected the offer to resettle in Barangay Mapatag were also given the same cash assistance so they would have money for their sustenance.
The DENR is opening an office in Barangay Maybato North so it could closely monitor the coastal area and the MRRDP.
“The informal settlers are expected to relocate from Barangay Maybato North on or before March 22 when the construction of the DENR office starts,” Butiong said. (PNA/PN)
