Malacanang: More permanent houses for Zamboanga siege victims by December

Communications Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. speaks before the country’s financial executives during the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) 2nd General Membership Meeting at the InterContinental Manila in Makati City on Wednesday (February 19). (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias of PCOO- NIB photo)

MANILA — Malacanang on Tuesday said the government has targeted to complete the establishment of more permanent houses for families displaced by the terrorism attack on Zamboanga City by December this year.

Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

said the National Housing Authority (NHA) will turn-over today (Sept. 9) new permanent houses in the devastated areas as the city commemorates the first anniversary of the 20-day Zamboanga siege.

“Nagtakda na ang NHA ng timeline para dito. At ayon sa pinakahuling ulat, tinatayang, maaari nilang makumpleto ‘yung kanilang mga tinatayong permanent housing by December of this year at ‘yon ay ayon sa kanilang timetable,” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Coloma stressed that there is no “undue delay” in the transfer of families from temporary to permanent housing.

“Ang tugon po sa atin ni (NHA) General Manager Chito Cruz ay nasa takdang oras naman o panahon ‘yung kanilang pagtatayo ng mga permanent housing.

Kaya nga lang dahil sa dami ng mga pamilya na dapat na mailipat sa permanent housing, hindi naman kinaya na doon sa loob lamang ng isang taon mula noong nag-umpisa ang krisis na ito ay makumpleto na,” he said.

The PCOO chief assured that the government is taking appropriate measures to identify the needs of families affected by the Zamboanga siege.

Citing Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Coloma said the funding for the Zamboanga rehabilitation is already completed.

“Secretary Abad has declared that the funds are available and have been released especially for permanent housing so wala namang delay sa pagre-release ng pondo, lalung-lalo na ‘yung sa permanent housing dahil ito ang pinakamahalagang pangangailangan,” he said.

Coloma added that the local government unit of Zamboanga City is coordinating with concerned government agencies including the NHA, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to address the needs of affected families.