LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- – -National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr. commended the Pangasinan provincial government for its implementation of housing program specifically the 2nd phase of the Maniboc socialized housing for employees/teachers and Aplaya West Resettlement Project which is intended to shelter the ‘poorest of the poor.’
Escalada, who visited the two housing sites located at Barangay Maniboc and Sitio Aplaya in Barangay Pangapisan Norte of Lingayen town on February 24, said the projects are concrete manifestation of how the national government and the local government units (LGUs) are cooperating.
The housing general manager said that the NHA is doing its best to redirect its thrust and focus by capacitating all LGUs. Thus, he stressed that the project is an obvious manifestation of empowerment and cooperation of the provincial government.
“If we are able to replicate this project, we will be able to address problems on illegal settlers,” Escalada said as he specifically pertained to the resettlement project.
In lauding the provincial government Escalada also commended the housing designs noting that it meets certain standards like gender-sensitivity, flexibility and comfort of the design. “Hindi lang siya bahay but it is a home where people can live and children can participate,” he said.
Land clearing and development for the housing project which consists of 317 units started last year during the term of former Governor now 5th district representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. Physical accomplishment to date is about 70 percent.
Meanwhile, PHUDCC officer-in-charge Angelito Pedeglorio said the project is intended as resettlement site to accommodate families living along danger zones like the Agno River bank.
As such, he said the project cost is over P12 million of which the NHA will shoulder more than P9.3 million while the province’s fund share amounted to P3.4 million.
Meanwhile, the provincial government under the stewardship of Gov. Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III has started its clearing of site operations two weeks ago for the 2nd Phase Villa Maniboc socialized housing. Target date of land development completion is 180 days. (Ruby R. Bernardino)