Tanauan, Leyte – Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries who were displaced by Typhoon Yolanda look forward to moving in the permanent relocation site in Brgy. Pago, this town.
Their excitement became more apparent when President Benigno S. Aquino III visited their municipality on Tuesday as part of his two-day presidential visit to disaster-ravaged areas in commemoration of the 28th anniversary of EDSA People Power. He witnessed the signing of an agreement among government agencies for the construction of permanent homes for ‘Yolanda’ survivors in Brgy.Pago, many of whom were identified as Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.
The agreement was signed by the officials of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Gawad Kalinga, and the municipal local government.
Rachel Garcia, expressed her gratitude for being chosen as one of those who will get a new house. Her family is presently staying in a tent in Brgy. Canramos.
“Sana makalipat na kami para mas maging maayos na ang tulugan ng mga bata (I hope we can move soon so the kids will have a better place to sleep on),” Garcia said.
She animatedly related that the relocation site will have a basketball court as well as electric and water supply.
“Excited na kami para sa turnover ng mga bahay (We are excited to have the houses turned over to us),” Garcia added.
In his speech, Pres. Aquino admired the resiliency of the survivors.
“Kahit sino makausap ko, maraming humahanga sa resiliency ng mga Plilipino. Sa mga nasalanta ng kalamidad tayo kumukuha ng inspirasyon para lampasan ang mga hamon ng buhay (Whoever I talk to, a lot of people admire the resiliency of Filipinos. We derive our strength to face our challenges from all those who survived the disasters),” the President remarked.
Tanauan Mayor Pelagio Tecson shared that the first 50 permanent houses will be ready for turnover by March.
After his visit here, Pres. Aquino headed to Brgy. Cabalawan in Tacloban City for the groundbreaking of the new Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, a facility envisioned to provide top-rate medical services in the region. ###