A total of 184 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Umingan town in Pangasinan may soon move into their new homes under the Building Adequate Livable, Affordable and Inclusive Farmers' Housing Program or BALAI Housing Program.
The project led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was launched in Barangary Carayungan Sur in the municipality of Umingan on Dec. 15.
DAR Secretary John Castriciones pointed out the right of every Filipino to have their own home.
He said providing decent houses to farmers will uplift their living conditions and economic status.
DAR's conceptualization of the housing program is a sign of gratitude to the farmers who have proven their worth as food providers of the nation, Castriciones said.
"We must strengthen and raise the standard of living of our farmers. The housing project is a way to maintain the vitality of farming. Kaya nararapat lang na iparamdam natin sa ating mga magsasaka na sila ay mahalaga sa ating bansa at dapat sila ay tulungan, bigyan ng kaukulang suporta, upang mapabuti ang kanilang pamumuhay. (So we should just make our farmers feel that they are important to our country, they should be provided the necessary assistance, and given appropriate support, to improve their living conditions)," Castriciones said.
He assured that the housing units are not substandard but are made of high quality materials.
Under the program, all farmers with a monthly income of P10,000.00 can avail of a housing loan through the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation under the Pag-IBIG Mutual Fund payable in 25 years at a very low interest.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Maria Ana Francisco said they will initially select 100 agrarian reform farmer-beneficiaries, who are holders of certificates of land ownership award, for the BALAI program.