By Leilani S. Junio
MANILA, (PNA) –The government has earmarked a total of P3.9B for the early recovery and rehabilitation of families affected by the ruthless Moro National Liberation Front-led crisis in Zamboanga City.
This was disclosed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Corazon J. Soliman Sunday, September 22, on her 12th day stint in Zambanga City to oversee the continuing relief operations of the Department.
According to Secretary Soliman, the fund from the government will be implemented through DSWD’s supervision in coordination with the Crisis Management Committee.
Secretary Soliman emphasized that rehabilitation efforts are now being planned out by the DSWD in coordination with the Crisis Management Committee headed by Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco.
According to Soliman, the rehabilitation efforts will immediately commence once the city government of Zamboanga identifies the areas.
“This is a huge challenge to us but the government is making sure that early recovery and rehabilitation efforts are well organized and systematized,” she added.
“We will make sure that we will build back better communities for the affected families,” Secretary Soliman emphasized.
She said that rehabilitation plan for the victims of armed conflict in Zamboanga includes the continuing relief assistance for one month, balik-probinsiya program by providing the evacuees with transportation and incidental assistance.
Also included under the rehabilitation plan are educational assistance to college students, supplementary feeding for children, cash-for-work program, construction of temporary and permanent shelters, and livelihood assistance.