Agriculture Chief Manny Piñol vowed to look into the possibility of better housing facilities for the families living in Sitio Palanas, Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City who were affected by a fire that hit the area on May 23, 2018 (Wednesday).

The Secretary’s commitment came after the dialogue with the residents who appealed for the construction of a tenement building in the said area.

According to resident-leader Buboy Estrada, 40% of the Palanas residents are government employees, working under the Departments of Agriculture and the Environment and Natural Resources.

Piñol together with Undersecretary Ranibai Dilangalen, and a representative of National Housing Authority General Manager Jun Escalanda, met with the affected residents and assured them that the Duterte administration will not fall deaf to their needs.

“Iba po ang gobyerno ngayon, mabilis umaksyon. Right now, there is a relocation site waiting for you in Norzagaray, Bulacan,” Piñol said.

“You just have to be open-minded and look at things in long-term perspectives, Norzagaray may soon be developed into an urban community,” he added.

During the dialogue, DA administered a feeding program and distributed relief goods to help the families get through trying times.

“We will be doing this for four consecutive Fridays during your recovery period to help you get back on your feet,” Piñol announced.

In response, the residents led by its Chairman, Brgy. Captain Bob Fortuno thanked the Secretary for providing speedy assistance.

“Maraming salamat po. Kami na nga po ang nakaabala sa inyo, pero kayo pa po ang nag-aabot ng tulong,” Captain Fortuno said. ### (DA-AFID)