Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles as Task Force Yolanda Chair, the National Housing Authority, and beneficiary local governments, led the back to back distribution of free housing units in Iloilo on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, as part of the Duterte administration’s commitment to finish all Yolanda housing construction by 2022.
The two successive distribution ceremonies were conducted virtually for the locations in Anilao People’s Village, Brgy. Badiang in Anilao town, and Banate People’s Village Phase 1 and Phase 3, Brgy. Carmelo in Banate town.
Nograles emphasized that the long-due distribution of free shelter to Typhoon Yolanda victims was encouraging news despite the everyday challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
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 35,386 houses to different towns and municipalities in Western Visayas.
The areas covered by the projects in Region 6 are as follows: Ajuy, Iloilo (3,615 units); Altavas, Aklan (393 units); Barotac Viejo, Iloilo (822 units); Carles, Iloilo (10,708 units); Concepcion, Iloilo (1,000 units); Culasi, Antique (1,974 units); Dumangas, Iloilo (1,993 units); Estancia, Iloilo (3,242 units); Ivisan, Capiz (672 units); Jamindan, Capiz (535 units); Laua-an, Antique (1,267 units); Panay, Capiz (1,543 units); Pandan, Antique (1,000 units); Panit-an, Capiz (572 units); Pilar, Capiz (1,354 units); Pontevedra, Capiz (1,168 units); Roxas City, Capiz (1,533 units); and the latest ones in Anilao, Iloilo (364 units) at Banate, Iloilo (1,631 units).
Nograles emphasized that the long-due distribution of free shelter to Typhoon Yolanda victims was encouraging news despite the every day challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“This shows that the Duterte administration doesn’t forget its obligation to provide quality service even during this difficult period for the country. We are particularly thankful for the indispensable cooperation and support of Anilao Municipal Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque and Banate Municipal Mayor Carlos Cabangal Jr. together with their vice mayor, councilors, municipal officers and staff.”
The Malacañang official added, “We also recognize the tireless efforts of the NHA under the leadership of General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., Regional Manager Antonio del Rosario, District Manager Fe Jamoyot, and the personnel of NHA Region VI. Special mention also to the private project developers, who all showed teamwork and dedication to complete the project on a very demanding schedule.”
“This shows that the Duterte administration doesn’t forget its obligation to provide quality service even during this difficult period for the country.”
Nograles made mention of the recent yearly celebration of Panay Liberation Day as provided by Proclamation No. 430, series of 1989, which commemorates the liberation of the island during World War II, citing the bravery and resilience of the people of Panay in the face of adversity.
For their part, both Mayors Debuque and Cabangal thanked the President, Nograles and the NHA for “making the people of Panay proud and restoring their dignity” by providing quality housing and helping rebuild communities in their respective areas. Both LGU officials committed to build on the “gifts” of the administration and show that they were truly worthy beneficiaries of the housing projects.