By Bonita Ermac
ILIGAN CITY - A total of 100 displaced families in Marawi City will now have their own starter homes in Barangay Pagalamatan, Saguiaran.
According to Governor Mujiv Hataman, the P300-million housing project is part of the region's Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (ARMM-BRIDGE).
(ARMM Bureau of Public Information / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Ang mga proyekto at programa para sa lahat ng naapektuhan ng siege ay hindi kaya ng gobyerno lang kaya kailangan natin lahat magkaisa," Hataman said. (We have to help the government in all its projects and programs that will benefit all those affected and displaced by the siege in Marawi.)
He also acknowledged the help provided by Wahab Pangcoga, village chief of Pagalamatan who donated a four-hectare parcel of land where the 100 houses were built.
"Pinabilisan talaga natin ang pag-construct para makalipat na iyung mga pamilyang nakatira sa evacuation centers," David Ali, ARMM BRIDGE project manager said, adding that they prioritized families from the city's ground zero. (We expedited the construction of the 100 houses so the families who have been living in evacuation centers since the siege can start moving in.)
"On-going din ang construction ng bagong housing project dito sa Saguiaran na may isang daang bahay, Ali said. (There are 100 houses more that are being built in Saguiaran.)
Apart from the starter homes, the beneficiaries will receive food supplies and assistance through livelihood programs.
Solaiman Macarambong, one of the 64 evacuee families who have been staying in the Saguiaran evacuation center for two years now said their morale has been boosted with the provision of a new house.
"Unti-unti na kaming nawawalan ng pag-asa kaya malaki ang aming pasasalamat dahil mabibigyan na kami ng sariling bahay at hindi na makikipagsiksikan sa evacuation center," Macarambong said. (We were already losing hope. Now we are grateful for having a house of our own.)