[ Manila Bulletin Online ] March 26, 2008
By EDD K. USMAN
NHA okays P3-M fund for site development
Under the leadership of Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is strengthening efforts to address the housing needs of the people.
The housing project is now ready for implementation kickoff with the release of R3 million from the National Housing Authority (NHA) for site development.
In his inaugural speech on Sept. 30, 2007, Ampatuan announced that affordable shelter is one of the priority programs of his administration.
The regional governor, who took over from former ARMM governor Dr. Parouk Hussin, has often cited the need to address the housing needs of his constituents.
"Providing basic necessities for our people is a major thrust of my administration. Affordable shelter is one of them," Ampatuan said.
Ampatuan said this is also to bring to the region President Arroyo’s concern for the ARMM people by addressing their housing requirement in conjunction with the national government’s "Pabahay Program."
ARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.
Ampatuan had earlier directed retired Col. Antonio F. Mariano, head of the ARMM’s Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), to explore with the NHA the prospect of having a housing project in the region.
After writing and discussing the project with housing officials, including with the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) headed by its president, lawyer Fermin T. Arzaga, Mariano said the "NHA has approved a R3-million fund for site development of the pilot project in the proposed area in Barangay Limpongo, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., governor of Maguindanao, welcomed the initiative.
Mariano said that the Maguindanao pilot project will be replicated in others areas in the region.
"We also plan to put up housing projects in the other ARMM provinces, in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to equalize the opportunity for the people," said Mariano, executive director II of ARMM-HLURB.
SHFC Executive Vice President Eduardo T. Manicio lauded the ARMM-HLURB for the effort to meet shelter needs in the region.
"We commend your office, the ARMM-HLURB, for providing plans and programs to uplift the housing conditions in Muslim Mindanao," said Manicio in his letter to Mariano, stressing this requires the joining of hands of national and local government units (LGUs).
Mariano said the housing project of Regional Governor Ampatuan and Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan aims to realize their vision of providing affordable and decent homes for their people.
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