Agusan Norte relocates flood-prone families
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The city government of Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte has relocated the 71 families residing near the riverbanks of Cabadbaran River to a resettlement village in Barangay Comagascas, Cabadbaran City.
These families are the victims of flooding during bad weather as river water reaches their houses and pushes them to move to evacuation centers for safety.
The housing project with a total amount of P25 million was funded by the National Housing Authority (NHA) in partnership with the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD).
Each housing unit is valued at P350,000 with provisions on electricity and water connections wherein the beneficiary will only have to pay a minimum amount of P1,500 per month for 25 years for the housing unit.
Further, the resident-beneficiary is not allowed to sell their units and must follow guidelines set to them by the government to sustain the benefits of the resettlement village.
Fedelina Batulan, president of the newly organized homeowners’ association expressed gratitude to the city government saying, “Finally, no more bakwit [no more evacuation], no more worries.”
“The project is a dream come true to us residents for we will no longer worry during bad weather, especially if typhoon will hit our place,” said Batulan.
According to Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy Chin Amante, the realization of the resettlement village, especially the purchase of the lot was facilitated by the city government of Cabadbaran, Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, and Agusan del Norte 2nd District Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera.
Looking at the families who are now safe and out of the danger zone, Gov. Amante asked for cooperation from the residents to maintain a good relationship with each other and agree together on how to develop the area and maintain a safe and peaceful environment.
Rep. Corvera is also hopeful that more projects will be realized for the Agusanons as the relocation area is one of the solutions in providing a decent and safe place for the residents who are constant victims of calamities in the province. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
