In line with the commitment to end insurgency as embodied in Executive Order No. 70 or the Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict through the Whole-of-Nation Approach, a housing project was inaugurated in San Jose de Buan, Samar recently.
The 3.4-hectare peace village was dubbed as “Saad nga Balay Para han mga Peacebuilders han San Jose de Buan”.
There are 17 peacebuilders who were initially identified as beneficiaries.
The total cost of the 150-sqm house to be constructed is P250,000 per unit, and the design of the house is half-concrete and half-Amakan with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.
There will also be a livelihood and socio-cultural area in the vicinity, for training, skills and livelihood development activities.
Early on, Governor Sharee Ann Tan pledged P1M as the contribution of the Province to the project. It was later on increased to P2.5M, which will guarantee at least 10 houses for the peacebuilders.
Vice Governor Arnold Tan, who represented the lady governor, said, “The governor is happy that this housing project has commenced.”
“May the past become our foundation for a brighter future.”
“I hope that this Saad nga Balay is the start of our healing process, and our cooperation towards development. May the past become our foundation for a brighter future,” the vice-governor added.
San Jose de Buan Mayor Joaquin Elizalde, on the other hand, vowed to share P1.5M as the municipality’s contribution for the Saad nga Balay.
The mayor expressed his gratitude to all those who came to witness the groundbreaking ceremony and said, “The Saad nga Balay is a symbol of hope. This will pave the way for a positive change.”
Meanwhile, Regional Peace and Order Council Chair and Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez, expressed his support to all peace and order programs and projects of the LGUs.
“This housing project is a result of peace.”
Romualdez likewise shared, “This housing project is a result of peace. However, it’s the job of everyone to make this peace sustainable.”
Moreover, BGen. Lenart Lelina of the 801st Brigade, 8ID, PA, was also elated with the housing program, to which he said that the government’s effort to promote peace and order will never cease.
Other stakeholders and partner agencies were also instrumental in the housing project from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Office of the Civil Defense, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, the Samar Police Provincial Office, he Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the 87th Infantry Battalion, among others.
