CASH AID. Beneficiaries of a housing financial assistance show the cash aid they received from the National Housing Authority (NHA) on Tuesday (Dec. 13, 2022). Also attending the event were Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc and NHA staff members led by Engr. Jefferson Ganado. (Photo by Leilanie Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – The National Housing Authority in the Ilocos Region has distributed close to PHP1 million in financial assistance to calamity victims in Ilocos Norte province.
NHA regional manager Jefferson Ganado said in an interview Tuesday that a total of PHP760,000 from the agency’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) were given to 110 recipients in Ilocos Norte with reported damaged houses due to Typhoon Neneng last October and the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Northern Luzon in July.
In addition, four beneficiaries with partially damaged houses due to a fire and tornado received a total of PHP65,000 from the NHA.
Though the financial assistance came a little bit late due to several documentary requirements, 53-year-old Severina Claramo of Vintar town, Ilocos Norte said she is thankful that she could now have their roof fixed.
According to Ganado, the release of the funding got delayed because they first had to conduct an on-site field validation of the damaged houses as well as request the beneficiaries through their local government units concerned to submit photos of actual damage.
Under the Special EHAP, the NHA will provide PHP5,000.00 for each beneficiary-family for the rebuilding of their houses, regardless of the extent of damage sustained.
For fire and tornado victims, the NHA is also giving quick financial assistance worth PHP20,000 to PHP30,000 per family, depending on the damage to their houses.
During the ceremonial distribution held at the Capitol bonsai garden, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said that aside from the housing assistance, the calamity victims may likewise request any other assistance from the Ilocos Norte government.
To date, Ilocos Norte has given assistance such as livelihood, jobs, scholarships, start-up capital, and other agricultural inputs to all residents. (PNA)
