DECENT HOUSES. The newly completed 52 housing units handed over on Wednesday (July 10, 2024) by the National Housing Authority (NHA) to beneficiaries in Barangay Caridad, Tulunan, North Cotabato, whose houses were destroyed in the 2019 quake that hit the province. The PHP15 million project forms part of the PHP146.5 million allotment for five villages severely affected by the earthquake in the municipality. (Photo courtesy of Tulunan MIO)
TULUNAN, North Cotabato – The National Housing Authority (NHA) 12 (Soccsksargen) awarded on Wednesday 52 permanent shelters to families in Barangay Caridad who lost their homes during the 2019 earthquake that hit the province.
The PHP15 million project is part of the PHP149.6 million allocation to build 517 housing units in five quake-affected villages here. The recipient villages are New Caridad, with 52 houses, Magbok (122), Paraiso (140), Daig (140), and Batang (63), all severely affected by the strong quake in October 2019.
NHA-12 Director Zenaida M. Cabiles said the program aims to offer decent housing units to qualified beneficiaries.
Cabiles said the project was completed despite some challenges, such as planning, permits and licenses, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and the bidding process.
She added that the war between Ukraine and Russia also caused a rise in the prices of housing materials.
“Project evaluation made a sensitive decision with the Tulunan local government unit due to the sudden price increase but were able to meet the exact number of housing units,” she said.
Barangay New Caridad Chairman Richard Pandacan lauded the government's effort in pursuing the initiative despite the challenges that could have halted the project.
“We almost lost our hope, but if we have these responsible leaders in the government, anything is possible through their intense determination for the welfare of our people,” he said. (PNA)
