MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Recipients of the 254 permanent housing units in Barangay Kilala here conveyed their gratitude to the government as they now have a shelter they can call their own.

Some of these families settled in tents and transitory shelters, while others stayed with their relatives in nearby towns and provinces after their houses were destroyed during the 2017 siege.

"Sobrang saya dahil kahit papaano ay makikita ko na yung bahay na nawala sa amin. Napalitan na ng gobyerno at maganda ang bahay. Kasya na sa aming pamilya, malawak siya. Maraming-maraming salamat," said Muslimah Lala Abdullah.

(I'm so happy because somehow I'll be able to see the house we lost. The government has replaced it, and the house is beautiful. It fits our family, it's spacious. Thank you very much)

Norjanah Dangcal, a single parent with eight children, is also overjoyed, especially since she will not be able to return to her home in the Most Affected Area because it is one of the reclaimed areas.

"Ngayon na sinabi ni Mayor na kasali ako ang saya-saya ko. Sasabihin ko sa mga anak ko na may titirahan na kami (Now that the mayor said I'm one of the recipients, I'm very happy. I'll tell my children that we will now have a place to live)," she said.

Aside from City Mayor Majul Gandamra, Dangcal also thanked Task Force Bangon Marawi, the National Housing Authority, and all those who are part of the construction of permanent shelters.

"Sana masuklian namin ang kabaitan ninyo. Hihilingin ko sa Diyos na magtagumpay kayo sa mga ginagawa niyo na yung tulad ko na maraming anak, walang asawa nabigyan niyo ng kasiyahan. Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyo. Hindi ko ito makakalimutan," she added.

(I hope we can repay your kindness. I will ask God that you succeed in what you are doing. You have given joy to those like me who have many children and are single parents. Thank you very much. I will never forget it)

The government, through the National Housing Authority and the local government units of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, awarded permanent housing units to 254 displaced families, May 17, as part of the Marawi Week of Peace celebration. (JND/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)