Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria has reassured Catholic Church leaders that the Dumaguete City government will acquire another piece of land for additional housing units for victims of tropical storm “Sendong”.

The assurance came when the Diocese of Dumaguete, through its Social Action Team, turned over to beneficiaries the final 30 houses constructed at the Caritas Shelter Village in Brgy. Bajumpandan, Dumaguete Friday.

The joint project of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action, Caritas, the Diocese of Dumaguete-Social Action Center, and the city, covers 150 housing units, with 58 shelters already turned over, and the rest to be constructed once another lot is available.

Sagarbarria said the city is sourcing funds and looking for a lot that could accommodate the 92 remaining units.

He said that the city could acquire the lot next month, provided the Sangguniang Panlungsod members will not oppose the budget so the project will not be delayed.

Archbishop Emeritus of Capiz Onesimo Cadiz Gordoncillo, who was guest speaker at the turnover rites, reminded the beneficiaries to remember the 3Cs, or communication, coordination and community, for them to become a successful, God-loving and God-fearing housing community.

Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing, administrator of the Diocese of Dumaguete, urged the beneficiaries to stay away from the ills of society, especially gambling, drinking of alcoholic beverages, and using illegal drugs.

Fr. Burton Villarmente, director of the Diocese SAC, said local government leaders have an equally important role to play in pastoral accompaniment.*JFP

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