By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The National Housing Authority (NHA) said it targets to complete at least 62,668 housing projects between 2019 and 2020.
In a report responding to issues raised by some protesters, the NHA said the government has already finished a total of 119,670 housing units from the targeted 205,128. Of this figure, 56,877 are already occupied and 62,793 are ready for occupancy.
“Within 2019 and up to 2020, another 62,668 houses and lots will have been completed, and 22,790 housing units will be in various stages of documentation prior to project starts,” the report signed by NHA chairman Marcelino Escalada Jr. said.
According to the report, challenges remain in completing the Yolanda housing projects such as limited local government-owned lands especially if taken in the context of the magnitudes of the housing need.
The NHA also cited as issues the staggered release of the budget for the project’s implementation; the delayed submission of documentary requisites to NHA; change of site due to non-suitability after issuance of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Clearance; as well as delayed issuance of permits from local government units and clearances/permits from government agencies.
On the government’s task force Balik Loob housing program, the NHA said it has undertaken the re-allocation of existing Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
“To date, 2,244 units have been completed while another 381 are on-going construction. As of July 16, 2019, at least 300 units have been awarded to former rebel beneficiaries in Davao City,” it added.
In the report, the NHA also assured that it continues to implement programs for social development and welfare services.
“From 2013 to 2018, the IP (indigenous people) Housing Program of the NHA has completed 4,727 housing units, developed 796 lots, and repaired 19 homes in Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), 12 (Soccsksargen) and 13 (Caraga). Within the year and up to 2020, the program will be completing 2,238 housing units and 107 lots in Regions 5, 9, ARMM, 10, 11, 12 and 13, ” it said.
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