San Juan City gov't turns over prefabricated homes to Barangay Batis fire victims
A total of 110 prefabricated homes were turned over by the San Juan City government on Tuesday, Nov. 18, to residents who lost their homes in a fire that hit Barangay Batis last April 16. 2024.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) President Federico Laxa, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Assistant Sec. Mel Aradanas and 4PH Director Ryan Jaen led the turnover ceremony and blessing of the homes.
Zamora said the fire victims received 15-square-meter temporary housing units, each equipped with its own toilet and bath and a provision for a kitchen. These units were provided rent-free, with beneficiaries responsible only for their water and electricity consumption.
The housing project ensured that families were given safe, functional, and dignified shelter as they transitioned to permanent homes.
"The families will remain in the staging area while awaiting the completion of the 34-storey 4PH (Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino) Program building that will rise in Barangay Batis. Once completed, it will stand as the tallest 4PH building in the Philippines, featuring 1,013 residential units. The building will be constructed by DHSUD and SHFC, with the San Juan City government providing the land," Zamora explained.
Laxa lauded the mayor’s determination and commitment in pushing the housing project forward, emphasizing that San Juan City’s proactive leadership has been instrumental in advancing inclusive and long-term housing solutions.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire in Barangay Batis had reached the third alarm before it was eventually extinguished.
A fire volunteer, identified as Chasper Kenneth Oliver, perished in the incident after he was trapped inside one of the burning homes.