P22-M fund allocated for Guiuan housing development

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar -- A P22-million budget is available for the development of a property intended as a relocation site in this town, said Mayor Annaliza Kwan.

Kwan said the local government unit (LGU) previously identified a four-hectare area in Barangay Campoyong for site development by the National Housing Authority (NHA).

"The site has been declared by former President Gloria Arroyo by way of a presidential proclamation. But it is the NHA that is mandated to undertake socialized housing and in pursuance of its mandate, seeks our active participation," Kwan said.

She added that NHA's site development will start this month.

NHA assists in the development of the site identified by the LGU. The LGU's primary contribution is the land, while NHA provides funds to cover cost of land development. LGUs recover project cost from beneficiaries and utilize proceeds exclusively for project maintenance or to acquire and or develop new resettlement sites.

"Close to 400 houses will be constructed and will be given to families living in critical areas," the mayor said.

She added that the municipal social welfare and development has started identifying beneficiaries for the community-based low-cost housing project.

"Initial list of beneficiaries have been submitted to the NHA for validation," Kwan said.

"This is our support on the National Government's call to LGUs to provide shelter for those who do not own houses. The Local Government Code mandates that the delivery of housing services is primarily focused in the responsibilities of LGUs," the mayor said. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)