MANILA -- “It's important during these times of inclement weather and calamities to have a home where one's family can feel safe. This is why we continue to provide free, well-made housing units to Yolanda survivors so that their harrowing experience doesn't happen again."
This according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles who led the turnover of additional 450 housing units through an online ceremony covering the Balai Bantayan Phase-2 area in Barangay Kabac, Bantayan, Cebu last July 29, 2021, in coordination with the National Housing Authority and the LGU.
Nograles, chair of the Inter-agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolanda-affected Areas, said that "we have constructed and distributed 5,971 housing units in Region VII, which means 5,971 families now feel safe and secure in their free homes."
Completed housing units can be found in the following localities in Central Visayas: Tabuelan, Cebu (220 units); Daanbantayan, Cebu (1,863 units); Bantayan, Cebu (900 units); Medellin, Cebu (631 units); Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu (1,000 units); Madridejos, Cebu (750 units); at San Remigio, Cebu (607 units).
The Malacañang official stressed the importance of close coordination between the NHA and beneficiary LGUs as the reason for the quick implementation of the Duterte administration's Yolanda Housing Program in different areas in the Visayas.
"We're deeply thankful to NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., Regional Manager Jude Juntilo and the officers and staff of NHA Region VII for their dedication, as well as to Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Arthur Depsi for their full cooperation and support," the Cab Sec noted.
Nograles, who likewise heads the Task Force Zero Hunger, emphasized that the resettlement site would have community gardens set up by private sector partners such as Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) for immediate food sources and long-term livelihood opportunities.
“Kailangan natin magtulungan. We’ve been coordinating with PKG and other groups in addressing hunger and malnutrition in our Yolanda-affected areas. We want lives to be improved and families and communities to be nurtured, especially for the sake of the children whose interest we prioritize.”
In response to the provision of free housing for the LGU, Bantayan Mayor Despi thanked President Duterte, Nograles and the NHA for “this precious gift, which we will never forget. Lives will be changed for the better because of the administration's concern for the people. We will continue supporting Cab Sec Nograles and the President in their future endeavors.” (OCS)
