CITY OF NAGA, Cebu— President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the groundbreaking and capsule-laying rites Friday of a permanent housing project for landslide survivors here as the city commemorates this month the first anniversary of a devastating landslide that killed scores of people.
Speaking before the officials and residents of the City of Naga, the President ordered the National Housing Authority (NHA) to give the housing units to the survivors for free. He also wants the families affected by Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao and the conflict in Zamboanga to get free shelters.
“I am mandating everyone in government who are listening to me now and to those who have difficulty in hearing. Listen very carefully. A house and lot will be given to all of you for free,” the President said.
The P90-million Naga Permanent Housing Project will be built in a 2.1-hectare land owned by the Cebu government located in Barangays Inoburan and Tinaan in this city.
One hundred ninety-two houses will be constructed for landslide survivors and families residing within the one-kilometer no-build zone. Project proponents said the project could be completed in six to seven months.
The President expressed his gratitude to the local government of the City of Naga for inviting him to the groundbreaking ceremony, stressing the event is a fulfillment of the administration’s commitment to provide affordable and sustainable resettlement site for the victims of the 2018 landslide.
“As we mark the beginning of a promising future for Naga City, let me assure you of this administration’s unwavering commitment to help rebuild the lives of the landslide victims and their families through the provision of housing and other necessary assistance,” he said.
“With the strong collaboration and commitment of our public and private institutions, and the improved capacity of our local communities, especially here in Naga City, I am confident that we will overcome natural and man-made disasters and emerge as a stronger and more resilient nation.”
As the city reels from the disaster, the President also underscored the need to strengthen the preparedness and resilience of communities in times of disasters, weather disturbances, and other emergency situations.
Located in the first district of Cebu, the project is a joint undertaking of the NHA, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), and the local government of the City of Naga.
The September 20, 2018 landslide killed 100 people and displaced around 2,000 families. The absence of permanent relocation compelled hundreds of survivors to live in evacuation centers for a few months, a problem that the government is addressing.
Also present during Friday’s event were Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Chairman Eduardo del Rosario, NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo Gullas, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, and Naga City Acting Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong. PND
