Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (File photo)
MANILA – National and local officials led by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Thursday formally turned over completed housing units to beneficiaries in Biliran town in Biliran province in fulfillment of the Duterte administration's promise to address the needs of super typhoon Yolanda victims.
In a virtual handover ceremony where 1,265 housing units of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project were formally handed over to beneficiaries, Nograles thanked national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) for their cooperation and swift action in realizing the housing aspirations of the people of the province.
"We've seen how hardworking and dedicated everyone was in performing true public service. This despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic," said Nograles, 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.
The Yolanda Permanent Housing Project included Divine Grace Village in Brgy. Burabod (449 units) and San Antonio Village in Brgy. Villa Enage (816 units) which were turned over to beneficiaries through the assistance of Biliran Mayor Grace Casil.
Nograles thanked Casil as well as Vice Mayor Mario Nierras, municipal councilors, and other local officials who attended the online ceremonies.
"I’m honored to have personally witnessed how efficient our partner agencies were, especially NHA (National Housing Authority) Region 8 under the leadership of Regional Manager Engr. Dodong Antiniero," Nograles said.
He assured that the Duterte administration was keen on fulfilling its commitment to address the needs of Yolanda victims, stressing that under the guidance of no less than Duterte himself, the various partner agencies and stakeholders are working full time to finish pending housing projects.
Based on NHA data, as of June 2020, out of 54,508 housing units allocated for Region 8, and 35,462 have already been completed, with 10,877 undergoing construction, or an equivalent of 85-percent accomplishment rate.
"Out of our target 2,495 housing units in Biliran, we have finished 1,502, and we will be able to finish those pending construction under the NHA's lead so that we can immediately schedule their turnover once completed," the former Davao congressman said.
Nograles had earlier said despite the additional challenges posed by coronavirus disease (Covid-19), they will do everything to make the beneficiaries feel that the government cares for them and prioritizes their welfare.
He noted that the ultimate goal was to finish all Yolanda projects before the President's term ends.
"For the beneficiaries, we fully expect them to value these free gifts from the government. It's part of their responsibility to care for their new homes and make them symbols of hope, resilience, and unity of the Filipino family,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Biliran officials led by Casil, assured Nograles, and housing project partners of the local government's continued support.
They also expressed hope there would be more productive partnerships with the national government that would benefit their local communities. (PR)
