January 25 was the 40th day after the Sendong tragedy. I believe it’s a Catholic tradition, when surviving love ones would offer prayers for the departed.
It is also the day of the commencement of the project of housing the Sendong survivors whose homes were completely washed out during the flood in December 17, 2011.
The relocation site is in Barangay Sta. Elena. Going to the place is by taking the jeepneys with Tominobo (Tomas Cabili) signs. The site is just adjacent to the existing Steel Town.
Cops guarding the road going to the relocation site. Important people such as Pnoy, Vnay, city officials and other United Nation personalities will be at the site for the commencement ceremony for the housing project.
Yellow flags and ribbons going to Sta. Elena.
Motivational message, in English it is “We can do this! Onwards Iliganon!” At least that’s my translation.
The relocation site, which according to some officials will accommodate 3,000 homes.
This site has been inspected and approved by the admirable geeks at Mines and Geosciences Bureau , unlike the total failure relocation site which was the Bayug Island.
Few people know this, but Bayug Island was the relocation site (pre Sendong era), insisted by some Department head in City Hall. Obviously, millions of pesos and lives wasted in the process.
One of my first few shots inside the site. These soldiers are a bit nicer than the over-protective presidential/vice-president sekyo. These could also be Rene and Roberto‘s bodyguards, the two fat men at the right most.
The Pilipinas Natin volunteers demoing the “Unity Dance”.
These Michaelites are game by dancing the Unity Dance. I danced a bit too, but my selfish side is holding my hands and feet.
These
Garbanzos, Pastor Philamer Sabarre, a Maranao minister, and a tribal minister. I will update this data later.
The busy miss Gina Cruz, the Mayor’s wife.
Bishop Enelito Galido saying a prayer.
Philamer Sabarre, the Newlife Christian Center pastor and Moral Recovery Program head.
A Maranao minister also gave his prayer.
A representative from tribal minorities also prayed.
Iligan mayor made a quick speech. I don’t have Pnoy’s photo during his speech, my limited lens won’t let me.
A quick look at the model house for the Sendong survivors.
Pnoy answering unrelated questions from mainstream media.
Waving President Benigno Aquino goodbye.
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