TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Sunday, May 20, led the groundbreaking rites of a housing project here, highlighting the government’s commitment to address the housing needs of military and police personnel.
Vista Alegre Homes, located at Barangay Dos Hermanas here, is the fifth National Housing Authority (NHA) project under the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)/Philippine National Police (PNP) Housing Program.
Under the project, which is expected to be completed in 2020, 1,000 duplex-type housing units will be constructed for the personnel of the AFP, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Upon arrival, the President was briefed by NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. on the different projects under the AFP/PNP Housing Program. He then led the time capsule laying of the project.
“This project is a testament of the government’s commitment to address the housing needs of our people, particularly those who risk their lives to serve our country with utmost courage and integrity,” Duterte said in his speech.
The Chief Executive lauded NHA for their hard work and dedication and expressed confidence that through cooperation with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), the agencies can build more communities like Vista Alegre.
The President has graced the groundbreaking rites of other housing projects in Brgy. Talomo, Davao City; San Miguel, Bulacan; Balo-i, Lanao del Norte; and Concepcion, Tarlac City.
President Duterte also assured the men and women of the AFP and the PNP that his administration will remain resolute in promoting their welfare.
“We will continue to pursue our modernization program to further enhance your capabilities, enable you to fulfill your sworn duty to protect our people and defend our democratic institution,” he said.
At the same time, the President noted that the families of fallen uniformed personnel would also be provided with housing projects.
“And with that also, I’d like to declare my policy — of this government that I will pursue vis-à-vis with the housing and the houses also of those who would like to surrender,” he added.
During the program, Escalada announced that upon instructions of President Duterte, all beneficiaries of Vista Alegre Homes will get a P100,000 discount through the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, Duterte stated that he wants a clear-cut parameter of how much of Boracay island — which was closed for six months starting last month — would be given back to business.
“Ibigay ko muna sa mga tao doon ‘yung… Tutal ang hinahabol lang naman ng mga negosyante, if at all, I’ll leave it to Congress to decide,” Duterte said, reiterating his plan to declare Boracay as a land reform area. (PND)
