The National Housing Authority (NHA) in Region 7 led the inauguration of 1,831 housing units for victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Cebu.
In an online ceremony attended by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles who also serves as Chairman of Task Force Yolanda or the Inter-agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in the Yolanda-affected Areas, thanked national as well as local government units (LGUs) for their efforts in realizing the housing projects.
“We expect the beneficiaries to immediately occupy these units.”
“It’s my pleasure to lead this first-ever virtual turnover of Yolanda housing units, and I thank the mayors and LGU officials including Mayor Arthur Despi of Bantayan, Mayor Joven Mondigo of Medellin, and Mayor Shun Shimure of Daanbantayan, who are all partners in this massive endeavor,” said Nograles.
The housing units were formally turned over to their beneficiaries by their respective mayors. The Yolanda Permanent Housing Project includes the Balai Bantayan Phase 1 in Bantayan (450 units), Northview Park Homes in Medellin (631 units) and Maya Park Homes in Daanbantayan (650 units).
“Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, we came through and delivered what we promised to the victims of Yolanda. We commend NHA General Manager Jun Escalada, Regional Manager Engr. Dodong Antiniero, LGU officials, and fellow public servants who all made sacrifices and devoted their time and effort to serve their constituents,” added the Malacañang official.
“It’s important for families to receive the gift of housing especially during these trying pandemic times.”
Nograles further stressed that the government is continuing its efforts to address the people’s needs, as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte, explaining that “we’re here to coordinate with different government agencies, local officials, and other stakeholders to fulfill the promise of quality housing to typhoon victims who have long waited.”
“These were given by government to ensure the residents’ safety and security.”
“For June 2020, out of the intended 20,700 housing units for Cebu province, we’ve already finished 7,465 units, with a remaining 9,413 under construction,” the former legislator from Davao stated.
Nograles expressed optimism that the government will be able to finish all of its housing commitments before the President ends his term.
“For our part, we expect the beneficiaries to immediately occupy these units that government has given for free. These were given by government to ensure the residents’ safety and security.”
The mayors of Bantayan, Medellin and Daanbantayan gave thanks for the project, and assured that they will continue working with the national government in its other infrastructure and livelihood efforts for their localities.