Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led national and local officials in the 14th virtual turn over ceremony of Typhoon Yolanda housing units, this time in the town of Ivisan in Capiz last November 17, 2020 under the auspices of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project in Region 6.
Nograles chairs the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolanda-affected Areas.
“This turnover will hopefully ease the concerns of the people of Capiz, especially since we are still in the typhoon season. The beneficiaries will be better protected from weather disturbances. Their new and free houses also put an end to years of waiting for their own shelter.”
In his online message, Nograles thanked local government units (LGUs) and agency partners for their cooperation and commitment in ensuring the timely completion of this important legacy project of the Duterte administration.
“It’s my honor to join you virtually in this turn over. We give full praise to LGU officials led by Mayor Felipe Neri Yap and Vice Mayor Bito Delos Santos together will all their local officers and staff. The completion of this Yolanda Housing Project is particularly noteworthy considering we finished this in the middle of the ongoing (coronavirus disease) COVID-19 pandemic and we had other housing deadlines to meet,” the Malacañang official said.
“Special mention also goes to the inspiring leadership of NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada, Regional Manager Engr. Antonio Del Rosario and District Manager Dominica San Diego who all showed focus and determination in seeing the project through until its completion. They deserve commendation as true and dedicated public servants.”
According to NHA figures, as of October 2020, out of a planned 123,535 housing units for Region 6, 89,491 units have already been completed. The remaining 22,869 units are undergoing construction.
“This turnover will hopefully ease the concerns of the people of Capiz, especially since we are still in the typhoon season. The beneficiaries will be better protected from weather disturbances. Their new and free houses also put an end to years of waiting for their own shelter,” the Cabinet Secretary remarked.
On the part of Mayor Yap, he thanked the President, Nograles and the NHA for “making good on government’s promise to rehabilitate those affected by Yolanda years ago. The beneficiaires will cherish this and value the government’s assistance for the rest of their lives.”
“The completion of this Yolanda Housing Project is particularly noteworthy considering we finished this in the middle of the ongoing (coronavirus disease) COVID-19 pandemic and we had other housing deadlines to meet.”
Nograles ended his message by assuring the people of Yolanda-affected areas that “We will fulfill all our housing commitments. Our only wish is for the beneficiaries to build strong communities around these housing units and make them solid foundations of love and support centered on Filipino family values.”