Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led the formal turnover of housing units for Typhoon Yolanda victims in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, October 22, 2020, as part of the government’s effort to complete all its housing commitments despite the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
It was the 10th such virtual turnover of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project, held at Brgy. San Isidro, MacArthur, Leyte. A total of 122 units were distributed to local beneficiaries.
Based on NHA data as of October 12, 2020, out of a planned 53,038 housing units for Region VIII, 37,414 have already been completed, with the remaining 15,624 undergoing construction.
“We’re very thankful for the gracious invitation of Mayor Rudin Babante and the other LGU officials who also joined us online. The turnover was also made more meaningful with the active participation of residents who directly expressed their gratitude for the free housing units,” the Malacañang official said.
Nograles, chair of the IATF Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in the Yolanda-affected Areas commended the various national and regional partner agencies for “working double time and extra hard despite the health challenges posed by the coronavirus.”
“The tireless efforts of the local chief executives, in coordination with National Housing Authority Region 8 Regional Manager Engr. Dodong Antiniero and District Manager Marilyn Lauzon made the successful turnover possible. Our collective efforts have borne fruit. Everybody needs to be commended for a good job. This is the essence of selfless public service,” the former Davao legislator noted.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, President Rodrigo Duterte is fully aware of the plight of people in the countryside, particularly those who expect assistance from the government like those whose lives and livelihoods were swept away by Typhoon Yolanda.
“Government is just doing its job. Delivery of basic services is essential to good governance. We hope that the free housing will spur the growth of responsible families and communities and improve their lives. We build, so the people can rebuild.”
“That’s why the President made this housing project in affected provinces a top priority, even during this pandemic.”
Based on NHA data as of October 12, 2020, out of a planned 53,038 housing units for Region VIII, 37,414 have already been completed, with the remaining 15,624 undergoing construction.
“I am proud that we are already 100% complete in our 112 housing commitments here in MacArthur, Leyte. This is the result of everyone’s dedication,” said the official.
For his part, Mayor Babante said: “On behalf of everyone, we thank the President and the various government agencies such as the NHA which helped the people of MacArthur. We will do everything to deserve this generous gift.”
In response, Nograles expressed: “Government is just doing its job. Delivery of basic services is essential to good governance. We hope that free housing will spur the growth of responsible families and communities and improve their lives. We build, so the people can rebuild.”