July 15, 2015 – DSWD Field Office IX committed to augment assistance for the Subanen families affected by the demolition in Dipolog City.

Ma. Eva Avila, SWADT (Social Welfare and Development Team) Leader of Zamboanga del Norte together with Rosalie Casinillio, AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation) coordinator went to the demolition site this morning to check the status of the four IP families in barangay Sta. Isabela, Dipolog.

“We have already laid down our commitments to augment help for these families. In fact as agreed with the CSWDO, we will be providing 1 sack of rice to each family and food packs.”  Avila disclosed.

Aside from this the DSWD regional office has also accommodated the request of educational assistance for members of the families who are in high school and college. As to the relocation, Eva further revealed that the office will also be extending transportation allowance for those families who will be relocating outside the city. Cash-for-work assistance for 10 days @ Php210/day and emergency shelter assistance will also be provided to families who intend to build their own houses.

Avila added that, weeks before the demolition she has personally visited the IP households who were occupying the lot that was assigned to them by the LGU. She said that together with Engr. Riza Elias, DSWD IX engineer, they were able to talk to some of the families in the area to inform them about the demolition and assistance that will be providing to the affected families.

“We were there weeks before the actual demolition. We have even shown them the lot map and informed them about the possible assistance that DSWD can offer come resettlement time. They were calm and told us that they will not take it against us because they know that it was the LGU who gave us the authority to occupy the lot.” Avila said.

Moreover, Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said that regional office will be continuously coordinating with CSWDO Nenita Domingo for other necessary augmentation and as soon as the families are ready to avail of the said assistance.

Four Subanen families have been affected by the demolition which transpired yesterday in Barangay Sta. Isabela Dipolog City to give way to the construction of DSWD Provincial Office. The LGU stands firm that the lot assigned to DSWD has long been identified as government complex where three other government offices are built such as PNP, Philippine Coconut Authority and DTI. ###