Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday met with 141 families from four barangays affected by fire incidents that occurred from January to March.
She reassured the victims from barangays Sauyo, Pag-asa, North Fairview and Payatas the city government would extend cash assistance “that was not given to them by the previous administration.”
“To all the fire victims, we will be releasing our financial assistance this week,” Belmonte said.
Following a fire incident, the city government would now release its assistance within three to five days, she said.
“I have been getting the sentiments of the fire victims that with the long overdue of help form the city government, they were forced to borrow money. The released cash aid just goes to the payment of their loans but usually, the assistance is not enough to cover their loans. This is what we would want to avoid,” Belmonte said.
On July 1, a fire gutted an area in Barangay Bahay Toro, leaving 57 families homeless. But as promised, Belmonte personally distributed the assistance to the victims just after four days.
Meanwhile, Councilor Winston “Winnie” Castelo told QC residents to “be prepared for bold and sweeping reforms in the days to come.”
While other mayors in the metropolis have been grabbing the headlines, Castelo said in a statement Mayor Belmonte chooses to be “just a silent worker as she’s not engrossed in fanfare.”
Unknown to many, Belmonte wants to organize and clean her house first before making changes, the former QC congressman said.
“Instead of hurrying, our mayor is gathering data first before making policy directions so as to be guided accurately, leaving no room for error,” Castelo added.
After these preparations, Quezon City residents can expect sweeping reforms soon, especially on government transparency and accountability.
Belmonte’s administration is zeroing in on housing and public service programs, Castelo said.
“But for now, the mayor is waiting for hard facts and information,” he said.
Foremost of Belmonte’s concern right now is the city’s coffers, Castelo said.
“She’s studying the financial situation of the City before committing ‘realizeable’ and high impact projects,” the councilor explained.