ANTIQUE – The provincial government here, together with the National Housing Authority (NHA) Region 6, turned over 770 housing units to the victims rendered homeless in 2013 by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in Barangay Lugta, Laua-an.
Senator Imee Marcos, NHA-6 director Hermes Jude D. Juntilo, and Gov. Rhodora Cadiao led the ceremonial turnover of P200 million worth of housing units on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 14.
“Ang mga tao hindi na makapaghintay ng sampung taon. Tama na ang sampung taon, now na. Kasi grabe, from Typhoon Yolanda hanggang Typhoon Paeng, antay nang antay ang ating fisherfolk. Finally, you will have your own bahay at last,” said Marcos.
The construction was completed in 2016, but the local government unit (LGU) of Laua-an refused to accept it due to flooding concerns.
In January, Task Force Lugta was established to address the flooding issue and finalize the remaining portions of the project.
Cadiao intervened by allocating a budget worth P10 million for the construction of the drainage system and lot procurement.
“At last, mabaton ron ninyo ang titulo kang lupa nga buhay ron gintugro kaninyo. Pulo gid ka tuig ang hulat ninyo. Kadya, nagakalipay gid ako nga for the last time, ang aton mga mangingisda nakabuol ron ka lupa kag ma-spend ron kang Christmas sa anda mismo nga balay rugya sa Lugta housing”, said Cadiao.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during an aerial inspection of areas affected by Typhoon Paeng in 2022, entrusted Cadiao with the task of ensuring the housing units reach their beneficiaries.
After a six-year delay, the housing project has been officially handed over to beneficiaries as an early Christmas gift for those receiving these homes.
In addition, Marcos generously granted two trucks worth P5 million to Laua-an LGU, while Cadiao distributed food packs to each beneficiary. (With a report from the Antique provincial government PIO)/PN