MALOLOS CITY, September 30, 2011—With typhoon “Pedring” out of the country’s area of responsibility, thousands of residents from Calumpit and Hagonoy towns still have to recover from floods brought about by the release of excess water from Angat dam and clogged waterways.
Malolos Bishop Jose Francisco Oliveros said he has already ordered the release of P200,000 to immediately respond to the basic needs of the affected victims but admitted they would need additional assistance from the CBCP’s National Secretariat of Social Action, Justice and Peace and Caritas Manila.
“You must understand Calumpit sits beside a river which serves as Angat dam’s outlet while Hagonoy is just near Manila Bay with some clogged waterways,” the prelate told CBCPNews.
He expressed appreciation NASSA’s immediate response by sending a team to do on-site data gathering.
Bishop Oliveros said the flood victims need additional food supplies and basic utensils.
The prelate said in response to calls for safer home sites, the Diocese of Malolos which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, will turn-over 20 homes under Phase 1 of their Jubilee Homes project in Plaridel town for the poor and rendered homeless by typhoon “Ondoy” two years ago.
Initially funded by Caritas Australia, Jubilee Homes will have 300 row houses for the poor and homeless while duplex homes will also be constructed for the Diocese of Malolos employees under a rent-to-own arrangement.
“Individual homes will also be sold to interested buyers for the upkeep of the residential area,” the 65-year old prelate said.
He went on to describe the project as just like any other subdivision, complete with a chapel and livelihood programs. The Basic Ecclesial Community will be established in the area.
The prelate remains optimistic the government, through Bulacan’s lawmakers, will be able to put enough funds to build a school for the residents. (Melo M. Acuna)
