First set of Tzu Chi settlers thank Mayor Ondo, Violy

Engr. Violy Codilla distributes wall clocks to housing beneficiaries of Tzu Chi Great Love Village. The clocks are donated by Yakal Construction. (Photo by Josephine Serseña)

“Daghan kaayong salamat mayor (Ondo), maam Violy,” says Michael Serida and Luz Sanchez who were among the families that recently relocated to the Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Lilo-an The 150 families that moved in marks the start of what is foreseen to be a community of 2,000 households that will enjoy the shelter assistance provided by the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. 

Tzu Chi Great Love Village is within the 50-hectare land donated by Mayor Codilla’s family. The qualified beneficiaries were came from the temporary bunkhouses in Can-untog and Concepcion. Serida and Sanchez relayed how lucky they were to be amongst the families who now reside at the Great Love Vilalge. 

They recalled how the city government assisted them when they left their house and transferred to the bunkhouse. “Gi-provide-an mi og transportation gikan sa among mga balay kaniadto padulong ngadto sa bunkhouse. Karon gihatod na pod mi dinhi sa Tzu Chi Village. Gihatagan pud mi og bugas, suga, solar (lamps/panels), wall clock, habol ug groceries,” shares Serida and Sanchez.

Settlers urge critics: Come and see for yourself

Critics and non-believers are discouraging other interested families from the moving into Tzu Chi Great Love City. The settlers, however, have a call for them. “Come and see .for yourselves.” Tzu Chi Foundation made improvements in the area to address the threat of flooding.

“Suroy mo ngadto aron makita ninyo unsa kalapad didto para kamo mismo ang mohusga,” Sanchez challenges, adding that hearsays and rumors are just to discredit the noble intentions of the donors.  Serida and Sanchez also share how decent their homes are.

“Naa na mi maingon nga among balay. Naa nay CR, master’s bedroom, bedroom para sa mga bata and beds nga tagsa gyud.” They also confirm that electricity, streetlights and water supply have reached the Great Love City.

Classes, transportation: newfound challenges

Days before the opening of classes for school year 2015-16 the settlers are still considering options where to send their children. To this the City Social Welfare and Development Office is considering putting up temporary schools to cater the needs of the pupils. Moreover, there are some proximate schools where children can study namely Lilo-an Central School, RM Tan Elementary School and Lilo-an National High School.

Tricycle routes have already been mapped out that would prove to be of great help to the students and workers within the relocation site as well as the nearby areas. There are already meetings pertaining to implementing a tricycle route towards the Great Love City. If implemented, this tricycle route can help serve the students and employees living inside and near the said relocation site. by Joey Vincent Motel

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Marietta Legaspi assists a housing beneficiary to his new home at Tzu Chi Great Love Village. The transferees are holding household items given to them for free. (Photo by Josephine Serseña)