Concrete promises, or more of the same empty pledges?
By this time, many Leytenos have grown skeptical of promises of housing for residents who were affected by the devastation of Super Typhoon "Yolanda" last November 2013.
More than decade after "Yolanda" caused widespread destruction, once again they are hearing the same old spiel, this time from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
In a recent news release, the DHSUD said the National Housing Authority (NHA) has committed to complete the 4,702 unfinished housing projects for "Yolanda" victims by December this year.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said NHA has already completed 53,917 units out of the 58,619 permanent housing requirements under the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project (YPHP).
Of the completed units, a total of 45,454 units are already occupied by the beneficiaries.
Acuzar said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has instructed the NHA to finish all the YPHP units in Eastern Visayas.
“Sigurado po lahat ngayon taon ay tatapusin na ang problema sa Yolanda housing,” Acuzar said.
The housing units are located in Cool Spring Residences, Riverside Community Residences, Mont Eagle Ville Subdivision, Coconut Grove Village, Dagami Town Ville and Pastrana Ville in Leyte; Marabut Ville Sites 1 and 2 in Samar; and Culaba Housing Project in Biliran.
Qualified YPHP beneficiaries include families displaced by "Yolanda" in November 2013 and are residing in identified hazard-prone areas.
Last February 17, President Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of 3,517 housing units in Burauen, Leyte.
The president further instructed the DHSUD and NHA to research for other housing designs that are appropriate for and can withstand climate change and natural disasters.
(With report from PNA)
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