HOUSING FOR THE TRIBE. The tribal leaders of Talaingod, Davao del Norte, witness the time capsule being buried by National Housing Authority general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. during the groundbreaking ceremony for a housing project in Barangay Palma Gil on Monday (Jan. 27, 2020). Construction of the 300 housing units for the members of the indigenous peoples will start next month and expected to be turned over in May this year. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte – The construction of 300 housing units for the Indigenous Peoples (IP) here will start next month, an official of the National Housing Authority (NHA) said Monday.
NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. gave the assurance during the groundbreaking ceremony for the housing project in Sitio Nasilaban Barangay Palma Gil here.
Escalada said the project aims to address the needs of the IPs especially those who were living in the disadvantaged areas.
The 300 IP housing projects are Balai Lupowanan in Barangay Nasilaban (100 units), Balai Pig Imim’manan in Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Sto. Niño (100 units), and Balai Ugpaanan in Sitio Gatong, Barangay Palma Gil (100 units).
Escalada recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte immediately approved the project when told that it was a priority initiative requested by Governor Edwin Jubahib and Mayor Jonnie Libayao.
“Our President is willing to help and support our IP brothers and sisters. And we hope that you will take care of this project. A home is a symbol of a family’s sacredness,” Escalada said.
Escalada also announced the PHP20-million IP dormitory project to be established in the town. Another five housing projects consisting of 500 units for the town are also on the pipeline for next year, he said.
Meanwhile, Jubahib said the housing project for the IPs is expected to be completed in May and will immediately be turned over to the beneficiaries.
“I thank NHA for this project and I hope you will take care of this and will not fail the efforts of our government, especially our dear President,” he said.
Libayao, on the other hand, said the project will change the lives of the IPs and thanked NHA for choosing their municipality as the project recipient.
“This will elevate the living conditions of our IP brothers and sisters. I hope and pray that projects will keep pouring in our town,” he said. (PNA)
