Gov’t gives P5.49 B to NHA

Members of a family crowd themselves in a small banca on their way to their coastal home in Paranaque City on Thursday (June 26, 2014). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – The government has already turned over P5.49 billion to the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the relocation and resettlement of informal settlers in Metro Manila.

The budget will go directly to NHA’s land development and construction of low-rise buildings (LRBs) that could fit in 1,234 and 10,546 units respectively.

“This move is part of the Aquino administration’s continuing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of these families, given the constant problem of flooding in Metro Manila,” said Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad.

He added, “With this fund release, the NHA can build stronger homes in safer areas – whether within the city or outside – as well as ensure the protection of these families during calamities or emergencies, like typhoons and heavy rains.

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Abad noted that the relocation program serves two purposes. First, it aids local government units in providing housing and assistance to the families within their territory. Moreover, the relocation project may lead to improvement of sanitation and even disaster-preparedness in key areas in Metro Manila.

Moreover, the said project is in-lined with the Supreme Court’s directives of cleaning up the three-meter easement of Pasig River and its waterways by 2015.