Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, together with officers of Task Force Yolanda and the National Housing Authority (NHA), led an online groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 314 free housing units to beneficiaries in Sogod, Cebu, further committing to deliver the units soonest to this area in in Central Visayas.
The Malacañang official, chairperson of the Inter-agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolanda-affected Areas, emphasized that the project was part of the Duterte administration’s commitment to finish all Yolanda housing projects by 2022.
Since assuming leadership of Task Force Yolanda, the former legislator has turned over 3,164 units in different municipalities in Cebu, specifically in Tabuelan (220 units), Daanbantayan (1,863 units), Bantayan (450 units) and Medellin (631 units).
“We’re thankful for the support of Mayor Richard Streegan, Vice Mayor Lissa Marie Streegan, their councilors and other officers and employees of the Sogod LGU for their support and cooperation,” Nograles added.
“Also, as directed by the President, all the houses we will build contain complete provisions for water and electricity, as well as common facilities for livelihood.”
The Cabinet Secretary commended the NHA for its crucial role in the project, making mention of the tireless efforts of General Manager Marcelino Escalada, Jr., Regional Manager Jude Juntilo, Engr. Jeff Arranguez, Engr. Mary Ann Quimado and other NHA Region 7 personnel, as well as representatives from GLS Construction and General Merchandise, the project developer, stressing “they all heeded the call of President Duterte to expedite construction and deliver the units at the quickest possible period without sacrificing quality and safety.”
Since assuming leadership of Task Force Yolanda, the former legislator has turned over 3,164 units in different municipalities in Cebu, specifically in Tabuelan (220 units), Daanbantayan (1,863 units), Bantayan (450 units) and Medellin (631 units).
Nograles, who likewise chairs the administration’s Task Force Zero Hunger, noted that “through our partnership with Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, we will create community gardens so that the beneficiaries can grow nutritious food for consumption and commerce.
“Also, as directed by the President, all the houses we will build contain complete provisions for water and electricity, as well as common facilities for livelihood.”
This effort, the Cabinet Secretary stated, was in line with his advocacy to combat hunger and poverty, especially in Yolanda-affected areas.
For his part, Mayor Streegan thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, Nograles and the NHA “for the national government’s care and concern for the people of Sogod. We will forever be grateful for this gift of housing, especially during this challenging time of Covid-19 when our people expect concrete assistance from government.”