Batangas family living in cave for 12 years offered relocation

The local government of Batangas is set to relocate a family that has been living inside a cave in the city.

According to a “24 Oras” report of GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog’s Paul Hernandez on Monday, the family of Rufino Evangelista started living inside the cave in 2012 with his partner after separating from his children. 

Rufino also brought furniture and painted a portion of a wall. 

“Dapat po livable siya. Ibig sabihin may bintana, may pintuan, may supply ng facilities ng tubig, malinis na tubig, may kuryente po. Hindi natin sigurado ang bato o lupa na pumapaloob doon sa area na 'yun,” said city engineer Dwight Arellano. 

(It should be livable. It means it should have a window, and a door, and have access to facilities like potable water and electricity. We also don’t know the type of land in that area.)

Rufino said he wanted to leave the cave but expressed worry over rental fees. 

“Wala naman akong maiuupa eh. Dahil may pamilya ako, gusto ko 'yung aking anak, maialis ko rito. Mabigyan ako ng sasabihing bahay na kwan. Masaya na ako na ang anak ko'y maililipat ko,” he added. 

(I don’t have money for rent. I want to get out of here because of my family. I’ll be happy if I have a home to relocate to.)

The city government reached out to his family and offered a housing project for their relocation. 

“We see to it naman na hindi basta tayo na lang naglilipat ng family, di ba? Kailangan, alam din ng family na ating ita-transfer kung okay ba para sa kanila 'yun,” said Batangas City Social and Welfare Development Office Head Hiyasmin Candava. 

(We see to it that the family to be transferred agrees.)

Candava said they have provided the family a reservation number for the unit and will be waiting for their decision to roll out the proceedings for their relocation. 

“Baka merong malapit lapit dine. Mapapalayo, tsaka ang pag-aaral ng bata,” said Rufino. 

(I hope there’s a housing project near us. My child’s education will be affected.)—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News