The island barangay of Banacon in Getafe, where poverty is rife and slain drug lord Rowen “Yawa” Secretaria maintained a residence, will be given priority treatment by the government in extending aid to its residents.

According to second district Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, he will be prioritizing projects that will offer assistance to the residents of the islet by implementing  livelihood initiatives and providing sufficient power supply during his current term as legislator.

The congressman seeks to tap the Department of Labor and Employment to help provide legitimate sources of income to residents of the sleepy fishing village.

He also said that lack of electricity is among the reasons why the barangay remains in poverty as it limits the number of livelihood opportunities in Banacon.

It has been previously noted that almost all families in the Getafe island depend on income from fishing.

Before his death, the alleged Central Visayas drug lord provided electricity in the area which, according to residents, won him the loyalty of most people living in the island despite the knowledge of his illegal activities.

Secretaria also extended financial aid and offered food to the people of Banacon, residents said.

While the drug lord which residents once dubbed the “Robin Hood of Banacon” has been killed, Aumentado assured that he will focus on having the government provide livelihood to people living in the island.

The project will also include the construction of classrooms in Barangay Banacon, Aumentado added.

Other islands in Getafe, which is under Aumentado’s district, will also be covered in the provision of adequate power supply. (with reports from Allen Doydora)