By Armando Fenequito Jr.
TALAINGOD, DAVAO DEL NORTE - The National Housing Authority (NHA) led the groundbreaking ceremony for a housing project for the Ata Manobo tribe in the former NPA-controlled area here Tuesday.
NHA/ MANILA BULLETIN
NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. led the ceremony for the three housing projects in Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil.
Joining Escalada were Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Talaingod Mayor Jonnie Libayao, Eastern Mindanao Command commander Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Reuben Basiao and Salugpongan founder Datu Guibang Apuga .
In his speech, Escalada said the three projects have a total amount of P60 million which came from the 2019 budget.
He said each project costs P20 million, and consists of 100 houses. Two of the projects will be implemented by the provincial government, while the other one will be implemented by the municipal government.
During the program, the NHA turned-over two checks worth P30 million for the two projects to Jubahib.
The remaining P5 million for each project will be given once 80 percent of it is completed.
Jubahib said the three housing projects will start on February which will have up to four months for its completion.
“Depende sa panahon usab, I-consider nato ang panahon (This will depend on the weather also, we should consider that also),” he said.
He said the houses will be immediately given to the beneficiaries as soon as the project is completed.
For his part, Faustino said the project will have a big impact to the residents knowing that the area was formerly controlled by the NPA.
Meanwhile, tribal leader Apoga said the project only proves that the government was serious in helping their community.