A total of 1,279 permanent housing units were given away to qualified beneficiaries in Escalante City last August 27, 2021 by Task Force Yolanda which is led by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, in coordination with the National Housing Authority and local government officials.
“We aim to improve the lives of our beneficiaries by transferring them to safe areas and providing them a sturdy roof over their heads, with the promise of transforming their lives for the better not only with free housing but also with social and economic safety nets in place,” Nograles said.
At present, the Task Force under Nograles’ leadership has distributed 45,348 units to family-beneficiaries in various areas in Region 6.
The virtual turnover of units under the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project was held for the sites in Washington Park Homes 2, 3, and 4 at Brgy. Washington, Escalante City.
The Malacañang official said that it was part of his mandate as chairperson of the Inter-agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolanda-affected Areas to expedite the completion and distribution of housing units. At present, the Task Force under Nograles’ leadership has distributed 45,348 units to family-beneficiaries in various areas in Region 6.
Completed housing units can be found in the following localities: Ajuy, Iloilo (4,215 units); Carles, Iloilo (13,665 units); Culasi, Antique (1,974 units); Altavas, Aklan (393 units); Panit-an, Capiz (572 units); Estancia, Iloilo (3,562 units); Laua-an, Antique (1,267 units); Ivisan, Capiz (672 units); Concepcion, Iloilo (2,803 units); Jamindan, Capiz (535 units); Dumangas, Iloilo (1,993 units); Pilar, Capiz (1,354 units); Pontevedra, Capiz (1,168 units); Pandan, Antique (1,000 units); Panay, Capiz (1,543 units); Barotac Viejo, Iloilo (822 units); Anilao, Iloilo (364 units); Banate, Iloilo (1,631 units); Bugasong, Antique (2,603 units); Kalibo, Aklan (400 units); and Escalante City, Negros Occidental (1,279 units).
The Cabinet Secretary thanked Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. and Vice Mayor Johnny Gabriel as well as the councilors, officials and staff of Escalante City for their unwavering support to see this major project of the Duterte administration through.
The housing sites have multi-purpose covered courts that contain training centers and community facilities.
Nograles likewise cited the efforts of the National Housing Authority, under the leadership of General Manager Marcelino Escalada, Regional Manager Rizalino Cabahug, OIC-District Manager Liezl Miquit, and the various personnel from the NHA regional and district offices for their dedication and commitment even during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The housing sites have multi-purpose covered courts that contain training centers and community facilities. Nograles added that there shall also be community gardens aimed at providing food sources and long-term livelihood opportunities.
On the part of the Escalante City government, Mayor Yap thanked President Duterte, Nograles and the NHA for the government’s rehabilitation efforts and assistance to Yolanda-affected areas, stressing that “These new and free houses give people dignity, assuring them that government prioritizes them and would want them to live meaningful and productive lives.”
