National and local officials led by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles formally turned over completed housing units to beneficiaries in Biliran town in Biliran province on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in fulfillment of the Duterte administration’s promise to address the needs of Typhoon Yolanda victims.
In a virtual handover ceremony where 1,265 housing units of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project were formally handed over to beneficiaries, Nograles thanked national government agencies and LGUs for their cooperation and swift action in realizing the housing aspirations of the people of the province.
“For the beneficiaries, we fully expect them to value these free gifts from the government.”
“We’ve seen how hardworking and dedicated everyone was in performing true public service. This despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Nograles, Chairman of Task Force Yolanda or the Inter-agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in the Yolanda-affected Areas.
The Yolanda Permanent Housing Project included Divine Grace Village in Brgy. Burabod (449 units) and San Antonio Village in Brgy. Villa Enage (816 units) which were handed over to appreciative beneficiaries through the assistance of Biliran Mayor Grace Casil.
Nograles thanked Mayor Gasil as well as Vice Mayor Mario Nierras, municipal councilors and other LGU officials who attended the online ceremonies.
“I’m honored to have personally witnessed how efficient our partner agencies were, especially NHA Region 8 under the leadership of Regional Manager Engr. Dodong Antiniero,” the Malacañang official expressed.
The Cabinet Secretary assured that the Duterte administration was keen on fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of Yolanda victims, stressing that under the guidance of no less than President Duterte himself, the various partner agencies and stakeholders are working full time to finish pending housing projects.
“It’s part of their responsibility to take care of their new homes.”
Based on NHA data, as of June 2020, out of 54,508 housing units allocated for Region VIII, ang 35,462 have already been completed, with 10,877 undergoing construction, or an equivalent of 85% accomplishment rate.
“Out of our target 2,495 housing units in Biliran, we have finished 1,502, and we will be able to finish those pending construction under the NHA’s lead so that we can immediately schedule their turnover once completed,” the former Davao congressman stressed.
Nograles had earlier said that despite the additional challenges posed by Covid-19, they will do everything within their power to make the beneficiaries feel that the government cares for them and prioritizes their welfare.
The Cabinet Secretary likewise noted that the ultimate goal was to finish all Yolanda projects before the President’s term ends.
“For the beneficiaries, we fully expect them to value these free gifts from the government. It’s part of their responsibility to take care of their new homes and make them symbols of hope, resilience and unity of the Filipino family.”
The Biliran LGU officials, meanwhile, led by Mayor Grace Casil, assured Nograles and housing project partners of the local government’s continued support, and expressed hope there would be more productive partnerships with the national government that would benefit their local communities.