NAGUILIAN, Isabela -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) led the groundbreaking ceremony for a housing project for farmers and farmworkers in Barangay Villapaz, Naguilian, Isabela on July 1, 2021.
DAR Secretary Brother John Castriciones said the land, covering two hectares, will be the site of 125 housing units under the “Balai Farmers Housing Program,” a partnership between the DAR, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and other national government agencies.
The P300,000-worth duplex-type housing unit has a 36-square meter floor area, with toilet, electrical, and water facilities, as well as tiled floorings and fully painted interior and exterior walls.
“The agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will have an opportunity to avail of this quality and affordable housing. Through this project, farmers would be able to have modern and decent houses to boost their morale, which may result in better crop yield, income, and quality of life,” Brother John said.
The BALAI Farmers Housing Program is a holistic and comprehensive solution aimed at achieving inclusive growth by means of uplifting the quality of lives of farmers, particularly the ARBs, through housing, livelihood, education, and technological innovation.
“This is a milestone. I hope we would be able to sustain this. I hope that in God’s grace, we will achieve our vision of uplifting the economic lives of our farmers. We must work hand in hand because, in unity, there is strength,” Brother John added.
