Ray of hope for Yolanda survivors in Malay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Having a new home after almost five years of Typhoon Yolanda devastation is a ray of hope for survivors in the province of Aklan.

On September 18, the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay tackled the terms of reference (TOR) for the procurement of fully developed lots and completed housing units for typhoon victims in Malay, Aklan.

The 280 permanent housing units amounting to P116-million in mainland Malay, Aklan is funded by the national government through the National Housing Authority (NHA).

“Dati mga 402 ang original na planong itatayong housing units ngunit naging 280 units dahil sa high cost ng titled lots sa Malay at disenyo ng mga housing units,” SB member Jupiter Aelred Gallenero said.

TOR will provide interested proponents/landowner-contractors guidelines and requirements for the acquisition of house and lot packages under the NHA’s Yolanda Permanent Housing Program (NHA-YPHP).

Last week, the committees on laws and land use conducted a hearing with NHA and contractors on the proposed permanent housing units for Yolanda victims.

A 2.5-hectare property considered as safe zone will be utilized as permanent resettlement site for qualified families who have totally lost their houses during Typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013. The recipients affected by Typhoon Yolanda were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Each housing unit has a 40 sq.m. lot good enough to accommodate a family of five.

“Ang DSWD ay mag-revalidate ng mga family beneficiaries na malapit sa riverbanks at lupa na maging recipients ng NHA program,” Gallenero added.

The housing project will also provide areas for community facilities such as schools, parks and playground and health centers. Utilities to include water distribution system and electrical power components, poles and wires/cables should be in-place at the site.