“I’m very pleased to announce to the people of Ormoc City that we have already completed 100% of our free housing commitments here. This is a result of unity, cooperation and perseverance among the national government and local leaders to benefit the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.”
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the remarks on Thursday, August 6, 2020 during the virtual turnover of 1,419 housing units in an online ceremony led by the National Housing Authority (NHA) Region 8 office.
“They have shown dedication and a true sense of sacrifice in making the dreams of housing for Yolanda victims a reality.”
“We have seen how determined everyone was in finishing the project despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. Work was sustained and non-stop, and now we see the fruits of everyone’s labor,” Nograles said.
The Malacañang official is the 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.
During the virtual turnover, Nograles expressed his “utmost thanks” to Mayor Richard Gomez, Vice Mayor Toto Locson and the city councilors, as well as Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez for their support and invaluable assistance to the success of the city’s Yolanda Permanent Housing Project, which involves 1,000 units in Bagong Pag-asa Subdivision Phase 1 and 419 units in Bagong Pag-asa Subdivision Phase 2, located in Barangay Margen.
Mayor Gomez led the virtual turnover to the housing beneficiaries.
Nograles added: “The NHA Region 8 team under Regional Manager Engr. Dodong Antiniero, local government officials and other public sector participants all deserve our congratulations and praise. They have shown dedication and a true sense of sacrifice in making the dreams of housing for Yolanda victims a reality,” further emphasizing that the housing units are safe and well-built.
“President Rodrigo Duterte gave clear and urgent instructions to continue addressing the needs of our people and expedite the completion of these units before his term ends. We have achieved that objective.”
The former Davao congressman emphasized that they continue to coordinate with various government agencies in fulfilling the administration’s objective of delivering quality housing to calamity victims.
According to the NHA, as of June 2020, out of 54,508 housing units allocated for Region 8, 35,462 units have already been delivered. There is ongoing construction for an additional 10,877, all amounting to an 85% accomplishment rate.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Nograles noted that the government is on track this month to conduct virtual turnovers for Eastern Visayas, specifically for Cabucgayan, Biliran, and Almeria in Biliran province, Tacloban City, Baybay City, and Basey in Samar.
Mayor Gomez gave thanks to the NHA and everybody else who contributed to making the project a success.
“A roof over their heads and a refuge from calamities is a lasting gift that anyone will appreciate.”
“We hope that the assistance from the National Government doesn’t end here. Our residents needs more housing. We’re truly grateful for this free gift to the people of Ormoc,” Gomez said.
For his part, Nograles expressed hope that the beneficiaries would immediately occupy and use the housing units.
“All we want is the safety and security of our people. A roof over their heads and a refuge from calamities is a lasting gift that anyone will appreciate. Government will continue serving the people of Ormoc, Eastern Visayas and other parts of the country.”