Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led officials from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the beneficiary local government unit in turning over additional 2,957 free housing units in Carles, Iloilo last May 21, 2021 as part of a series of turnovers in the province for victims of Typhoon Yolanda, in fulfillment of the Duterte administration’s commitment “to give affected families a new lease on life and an opportunity to rebuild.”
The virtual turnover ceremony was for the Nalumsan People’s Village Sites 1, 2 and 3, Guinticgan People’s Village, Barosbos People’s Village 2, and St. John the Baptist Ville Site 1.
The latest distribution adds to earlier units turned over by IATF-Yolanda and the NHA: 2,500 units in November 2019; 3,208 units in October 2020; and 5,000 units last March 17, 2021.
Since assuming the chairmanship of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolanda-affected Areas, Nograles has turned over 39,263 units to different cities and municipalities in Western Visayas.
These Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects can be found in the following areas in Region 6: 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 (1,000 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); Roxas City, Capiz (1,533 units); Anilao, Iloilo (364 units); and Banate, Iloilo (1,631 units).
In his keynote message, Nograles thanked the local govenment unit leaders, led by Mayor Siegfredo Betita, Vice Mayor Arnold Betita III and municipal officials and staff who all contributed to the effort of ensuring the smooth turnover of the housing units to the beneficiaries.
The latest distribution adds to earlier units turned over by IATF-Yolanda and the NHA: 2,500 units in November 2019; 3,208 units in October 2020; and 5,000 units last March 17, 2021.
Nograles, who likewise heads the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, assured the beneficiaries that the houses and the community are complete in basic amenities and facilities. Community gardens are being set up to help families earn and learn how to be productive.
The Cabinet Secretary added: “We likewise recognize the dedication of the NHA, particularly General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., together with Regional Manager Engr. Antonio Del Rosario and District Manager Fe Jamoyot for the project’s timely completion. The NHA officers and staff worked as a team, finishing the job despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”
Nograles, who likewise heads the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, assured the beneficiaries that the houses and the community are complete in basic amenities and facilities. Community gardens are being set up to help families earn and learn how to be productive.
According to the Malacañang official, these steps are in line with his personal and the Task Force’s advocacy to fight hunger and poverty in Yolanda-affected areas.
“Kailangan natin magtulungan. We have engaged the participation of the private sector and concerned individuals for the creation of livelihood and nutritional opportunities in the resettlement sites.”
Mayor Betita, for his part, spoke on behalf of the LGU and thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, Nograles and the NHA for “the precious gift of housing. We’re proud that CabSec Nograles has prioritized our repeated requests for assistance. We would forever be grateful for this effort to address our housing needs here in Carles.”