The construction of temporary houses for displaced residents of Barangay Mauraro, Guinobatan, Albay officially started Saturday.
Vice President Leni Robredo, along with local officials and Angat Buhay partners, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the first site of the housing project.
Robredo went live on her official Facebook page where she announced the timeline of building an initial of 100 houses.
“We will not be able to finish these houses by Christmas,” she said in Filipino. “Hopefully, these could be complete before January.”
This housing project called “Bahayanihan” seeks to help families who lost their homes due to the lahar flow caused by typhoon “Rolly.” They are still currently staying in evacuation centers.
Robredo also announced the use of the cash donations from Kaya Natin fund drive to build the houses.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) partnered with the Bicol University College of Engineering, the United Architects of the Philippines Daraga-Cagsawa Chapter and Elliptical Chapter, JCI Legazpi City, and C.C Buencamino Architects for the housing project.
Robredo said the relocation site for the new housing was provided by the local government.
“This is only the first phase of the construction. We are hoping that all of the 200 families will be given houses,” she said.
The Vice President, a Bicolano, talked to some beneficiaries of the housing project. Among them were Buddy and Tonette.
Robredo said that a drawing of lots decided which land goes to among the first batch of displaced residents in Guinobatan.