President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday turned over 3,517 housing units in Yolanda-hit areas in Eastern Visayas, as part of the administration’s recovery program for calamity victims.
“Ngayon, inihahandog namin ang mahigit tatlong libo at 3,500 bahay, bahagi ng mga proyektong matatapos na sa Leyte, sa Samar, at sa Biliran,” President Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial turnover of Completed Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects in Leyte.
President Marcos turned over the symbolic keys to Culaba Mayor Humphrey Olimba, Marabut Mayor Percival Ortillo, Tabon-Tabon Mayor Efren Redoña, and Tanauan Mayor Gina Merilo.
Also receiving the keys were Julita Mayor Percival Caña, Dagami Mayor Angelita Delusa, Pastrana Mayor Maritess Marcos, and Burauen Mayor Juanito Renomeron.
President Marcos said 1,963 units have been turned over to the beneficiaries so far. He assured the government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring a more prepared and safe Philippines.
Residents of Leyte can now occupy the housing units at Cool Spring Residences, Mont Eagle Ville Subdivision, Coconut Grove Village, Dagami Town Ville and Pastrana Ville.
Housing units at the Marabut Ville Sites 1 and 2 in Samar are also ready for occupancy, along with units at the Culaba Housing Project in Biliran.
“Para po sa mga benepisyaryo ng Yolanda Permanent Housing Program, hindi ninyo po kailangan magbayad na ng amortisasyon. Libre na po ang inyong bahay at lote. Hindi na po kayo sisingilin ng NHA dahil bigay na po ito sa inyo ng inyong pamahalaan,” the President said.
President Marcos emphasized that government agencies, such as the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the local government will ensure the housing units are reliable and sustainable.
“Nagpatayo tayo ng mga bahay na matibay at kayang siguruhing ligtas ang inyong pamilya sa gitna ng mga hamon ng kalikasan,” President Marcos told the thousands of housing beneficiaries in Leyte and Samar.
“Iyan ay dahil sa disaster resilient housing design na masusing isinagawa ng National Housing Authority. Ibig sabihin po nito, ang ating mga pabahay ay kaya ng labanan ang malakas na hangin at lindol,” he added.
President Marcos also shared the experiences of beneficiaries Divina Gallamos and Angeles Alba, who had witnessed difficulties and uncertainties during the past disasters in their areas.
They shared how their lives improved when they moved into the government housing projects.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos asked the beneficiaries to take care of their newly provided housing units and called on the DHSUD and the NHA to ensure that future housing projects are climate-resilient.
“Kaugnay nito, tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagsulong ng mga hakbang upang mabawasan ang pinsalang bunsod ng mga kalamidad,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also highlighted the existing flood mitigation project, the Leyte Tide Embankment Project to protect and save the lives of residents living in the embankment areas. | PND
