Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur (August 10, 2018)
–
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman led
the turnover ceremony of a 36-unit housing project for internally displaced
persons (IDPs) in Lumbaca Toros, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur today, August
10.
“Isa
sa mga goals ng regional governmentay kahit paunti-unti, dapat
klaro yung direksyon natin na mabawasan natin sana yung mga nakatira sa
mga evacuation centers at mga tents habang inaayos
yung ground zero dahil years ang bibilangin natin sa
pagsasaayos ng lugar na yun,” said Gov. Hataman.
Among
the recipients of the housing project are Daud Radia, 65, and his wife Inday,
62. Before the Marawi seige last year, Daud was a driver, while Inday worked as
a tailor. “Hindi kami mayaman, pero noon, mayroon kaming sariling bahay,” Inday
said.
After
the displacement brought by the siege, the couple with their four children,
found refuge in a small lot in Lumbaca Toros, an area where a tent city was
built for displaced families. Being highly dependent on relief goods provided
by the government and without a stable job, the 62-year old driver could no
longer work since his license has expired and he has no sufficient money to
have his license renewed.
Living
inside a tent for a year, Inday said they are constantly worried about their
situation – especially for their grandchildren. “Basta umuulan, umiiyak
ang mga bata. Natatakot na kasi sila dahil noon, nabagsakan ng kahoy ang tentnamin
dahil sa lakas ng hangin,” she recalled. Now that the Radia family has
moved from a tent to a housing unit, the couple has gained peace of mind.
“Hindi
kami nakakahiga sa kama noon. Matanda na kami, kaya mahirap na ang humiga sa
banig. Ngayong may bahay na kami ulit, mas safe na ang pamilya namin
at maginhawa na ang buhay namin,” Inday said.
Daud’s
plan is to save money to have his license renewed to jump start the family’s
income. “Hindi ko na poproblemahin ang pang-araw-araw namin. Panatag ako
sa asawa’t mga anak ko,” he said. Inday, on the other hand,
will return to tailoring as soon as the family settles down to its new
home. “Parang bagong buhay sa amin ito. Iba na ang lugar, pero sa tulong
ng gobyerno, makakabalik kami sa kung ano ang buhay namin noon,” she said.
The
new housing project is part of the regional government’s objective to build
homes for families displaced by the siege in Marawi. Another housing project
with 144 units in Barangay Pantaon, Saguiaran, also for IDPs, will soon be
completed.
Gov.
Hataman encouraged the IDPs to keep the faith since Islam teaches that with
every hardship comes ease. “Sa Islam ganoon ho ang paniniwala, habang
mayroong sakuna, palaging mayroong bago at kagandahan ang bukas,” he said.
The
regional chief executive has assured displaced residents that government
agencies are united in the endeavor to rebuild Marawi. “Hindi ako
nawawalan ng pag-asa lalo’t lahat ng istruktura ng gobyerno ay
nagtutulong-tulong ngayon,”he said. (Bureau of Public Information)
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