Press Release
April 17, 2007

Recto calls for release of P125 M fund
in 07 budget to help fire victims rebuild homes

There is a P125 million allocation in the 2007 national budget that can be used to help fire victims rebuild their homes, Sen. Ralph Recto said today.

As numerous fires razed communities throughout the country, leaving thousands homeless, Recto called on government to release the P125 million funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Core Shelter Assistance Project.

The program aims to provide shelter assistance in building 5,000 housing units this year at a cost subsidy of P25,000 per unit.

Recto said the program can be implemented jointly by the DSWD and local governments.

"Since LGUs are closest to those ravaged by fire, they should be consulted in the use of funds because they know which area was most devastated. They know what particular appropriate help their constituents need," he explained.

Big fires gutted Mandaue, Navotas, Manila, Pasay and Mandaluyong and several other areas in March, turning into ash residence areas, mostly squatter colonies where houses are made of light materials.

"Ironically, it is during the Fire Prevention Month that most fires occur. But the damage has been done--- the houses that used to be there are no longer there and the way of life and the livelihood of the victims have been ruined. They definitely need help. Some of them only have the sky as their roof and they are left to the mercy of the elements," Recto lamented.

"Di bale ka nang manakawan 'wag lang masunugan. Who needs more assistance than fire victims? Some of them only got away with their lives and the clothes they were wearing," Recto pointed out.

In 2006, 1,600 housing units at P25,000 each were finished at a cost of P40 million and 40, 000 houses are targeted to be built in four years.

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