P3-B special fund for Metro 'squatters' proposed

MANILA, Philippines - Some 126,230 families living in Metro Manila's slums, especially those along esteros, dumps and other danger zones, may soon get "decent, humane and safe" homes. Speaker Prospero C. Nograles said the approval by the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development of the proposed P3-billion special fund for urban poor settlers is "timely and necessary" with the onset of the rainy season. "This P3-billion 3-year program collectively initiated by Metro Manila lawmakers...deserves the support of everyone, including the private sector," Nograles said. Nograles also said a committee report on the proposal to stop foreclosures and allow homeowners to restructure housing loan accounts is set to be submitted to the plenary next week. On the proposal to extend P3 billion for the resettlement of informal dwellers, Nograles said the House leadership will "put in place permanent solutions to alleviate the sad plight of our people in depressed areas." Government statistics for Metro Manila show that approximately 14,132 families live along esteros; 11,340 along road right of way; 67,949 along waterways; 14,072 along transmission lines; 2,821 near airports; and about 16,506 spread in areas of priority development, dumps and market places. - D'Jay Lazaro, GMANews.TV