The National Housing Authority (NHA) Region 8 formally turned over completed housing units for Typhoon Yolanda victims in a “virtual” ceremony led by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles last August 18, 2020.
A total of 405 units under the Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects at Villa Abrea in Brgy. Jamorawon, Almeria, Biliran were distributed to beneficiaries.
“On the beneficiaries’ part, we fully expect them to care for their housing units.”
Nograles thanked both national and local government agencies for their cooperation and quick action in ensuring that the housing units will be used by those who need them most especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“This is the fifth virtual or online turn-over in as many weeks and this is the third in Biliran province. These successful turn-overs would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our partners and stakeholders, who actually worked harder during the pandemic,” said Nograles, who is also the chairman of the Inter-agency Task Force Yolanda.
“While we have completed all planned units for the area, we prioritized the initial 405 first, to be followed immediately by the remaining 524 units,” the Cabinet Secretary noted.
Nograles likewise expressed full gratitude and appreciation to Almeria Mayor Mayor Richard “RickRick” Jaguros, Vice Mayor Marygie Ticoy, Sangguniang Bayan members and other officials from the municipal government for their support and cooperation.
“This is a concrete result of everyone’s teamwork.”
“Together with the LGU and the leadership of the NHA Region 8 with Regional Manager Engr. Dodong Antiniero at the helm, we have all partnered to fulfill essential public service. Everyone’s sacrifice has been rewarded by our combined efforts, and we see it in how appreciative our housing beneficiaries are,” the Malacañang official explained.
“President Rodrigo Duterte promised to provide housing for Yolanda victims, and we are fulfilling that promise. He directed us to immediately turn over all completed units, and this has been what we are doing for the past several months, Covid or no Covid.”
Based on NHA data, as of June 2020, out of 54,508 housing units intended for Region 8, 35,462 have been finished, and there is ongoing construction for an additional 10,877 units.
“For Almeria, we have already achieved a 100% completion rate of 929 housing units. This is a concrete result of everyone’s teamwork,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
The former Davao legislator emphasized that the Duterte administration’s goal is to finish all Yolanda projects before the President’s term ends.
“On the beneficiaries’ part, we fully expect them to care for their housing units, all of which are given to you for free. Part of your responsibility as beneficiaries is to ensure the integrity of your homes and the continued safety of your communities,” he said.
The Almeria LGU through Mayor Richard D. Jaguros assured Nograles and various partner agencies of continued support for future programs, and expressed hope that they could benefit again from similar partnerships, livelihood, and assistance projects in the coming years.