The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has reaffirmed its commitment to complete all remaining permanent housing projects for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda by the end of this year.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar announced that the National Housing Authority (NHA) has pledged to deliver the remaining 4,702 housing units under the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project (YPHP) by December.
To date, the NHA has successfully constructed 53,917 housing units, representing a significant portion of the 58,619 total units required by the YPHP. Of these, 45,454 units are already occupied by beneficiaries.
“The President has directed us to complete all Yolanda housing projects in Region 8, and we are committed to resolving all issues this year,” Secretary Acuzar said during the ceremonial turnover of 3,517 housing units in Burauen, Leyte, held on Friday. The event was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., alongside House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Emphasis on Climate-Resilient Housing
In his remarks, President Marcos Jr. called on housing agencies to prioritize the construction of climate-resilient homes, ensuring they can withstand typhoons and other natural disasters.
“I expect the DHSUD and NHA to continue exploring and utilizing housing designs that are stronger and more suited to the challenges of climate change,” the President said.
The newly turned-over housing units are located in various communities across Leyte, Samar, and Biliran, including Cool Spring Residences, Riverside Community Residences, Mont Eagle Ville Subdivision, Coconut Grove Village, Dagami Town Ville, Pastrana Ville, Marabut Ville Sites 1 and 2, and the Culaba Housing Project.
Disaster-resilient design
President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of disaster-resilient housing, noting that the NHA has adopted designs capable of withstanding strong winds and earthquakes.
“These homes are built to ensure your family’s safety amid the challenges of nature. The disaster-resilient housing design ensures that the units can endure powerful winds and seismic activity,” the President explained.
Free Housing for Qualified Beneficiaries
The housing units, provided at no cost to qualified beneficiaries, are part of the government’s efforts to relocate those displaced by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, particularly residents in hazard-prone areas.
With this renewed commitment, the DHSUD and NHA aim to fulfill their promise of providing safe, resilient, and dignified homes for Yolanda survivors, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s recovery efforts.
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