CABANGAN, Zambales — Families displaced by a demolition order last April in Sitio Talisay, Barangay Camiing got some relief following Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.'s visit on Friday.

The governor visited the 71 residents who lost their homes, and at the same time inaugurated a 2-story multipurpose building and stage plaza in Barangay Cadmang, and attended a blessing and inauguration of the plaza stage in Barangay Camiing.

In a brief statement, Ebdane said he brought additional aid for the families affected by the demolition, particularly those who lost their homes.

Larraine Rico, executive assistant to the governor, said Ebdane coordinated with Cabangan Mayor Ronald Apostol and the barangay captain for provision of P30,000 worth of materials to each of the 71 relocated families to rebuild their homes. Additionally, 110 affected individuals will receive aid and an extra P10,000 in cash from the governor.

Ebdane said that this initial assistance is not the end, acknowledging that it is insufficient. He promised more aid in the future.

Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz also donated P10,000 from her personal fund and some food packs.

The affected families also received an additional P20,000 each under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.

These were on top of the help provided by Mayor Apostol and the landowner.

According to Apostol, the local government and the landowner will help relocate the affected families, and each family will receive P27,000.

Apostol said he asked the Department of Social Welfare and Development to verify the exact number of families affected by the demolition in order to expand the relocation site by 2,000 square meters.

Many of the residents had lived in the demolished houses for decades.

Following the road improvements in the area in 2009, development started, including the construction of resorts. This led to a landowner reclaiming an 11-hectare property which used to be occupied by the displaced families.