During Friday’s turn-over ceremony at the HARV relocation site, Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian stressed that the relocation program is not only about moving informal settlers from the land which became their home to a new environment that ensures security of tenure.

"We must also consider how we could make their new environment homey — a place where their children could play and have fun, a real community that could foster growth for its residents. And, this church and multi-purpose court are a part of the city government’s efforts to make that possible,’’ Gatchalian said.

Late last year, a paint company donated paint for the roofs of the new houses. The ceremonial painting of roofs was graced by Vice President Noli de Castro, NHA General Manager Federico Laxa and Gatchalian.

Also, livelihood trainings were conducted in the area by the City Livelihood Office, Department of Agriculture and other government agencies. The trainings included mango grafting and soap making.