By CESAR JOLITO III

The Moises Padilla municipal government expanded its relocation site for families displaced by Typhoon “Tino” as part of ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts, Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo said.

The relocation area, located at the Estate of Cecilia Garcia Golez, has been enlarged from one hectare to two hectares, allowing the municipality to accommodate more affected households and improve housing support for displaced residents.

Garcia-Yulo said the expansion underscores the town’s commitment to providing a safer and more secure environment for families rebuilding after the typhoon.

Beyond housing, the mayor raised concerns over the daily safety risks faced by students from Barangays Inolingan and Quintin Remo, who currently attend classes in the poblacion.

With the hanging footbridge no longer in place, students are forced to cross the river by boat, exposing them to danger and causing regular disruptions.

Garcia-Yulo noted that rebuilding the hanging footbridge is not immediately feasible due to engineering challenges, including the need to locate a higher and more suitable crossing point and construct a stronger foundation — steps that would require significant time and resources.

As an interim solution, the municipal government plans to open Grade 7 and Grade 8 classes within the relocation site by the start of the next school year.

The move aims to bring education closer to affected communities, eliminate hazardous river crossings, and ensure uninterrupted schooling for students.

School facilities will be established inside the expanded relocation area, integrating education services with housing support as Moises Padilla continues its recovery from Typhoon “Tino.”/CJ, WDJ