By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine
Star) | Updated October 7, 2014 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - The government
has turned over P3.78 billion to the National Housing Authority to cover the
relocation and resettlement of informal dwellers living in hazardous areas in
Metro Manila.
Under the 2014 national budget, P5.49
billion had been earmarked for the relocation of informal settler families.
Prior to the latest release, P600 million had already been disbursed.
The money would go to NHA’s land
development and construction of low-rise buildings (LRBs) that accommodate
1,234 units and 10,546 units respectively.
“This move is part of the Aquino
administration’s continuing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of
these families, given the constant problem of flooding in Metro Manila,” said
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad.
“With this fund release, the NHA can build
stronger homes in safer areas – whether within the city or outside – as well as
ensure the protection of these families during calamities or emergencies, like
typhoons and heavy rains,” Abad added.
Abad
said the NHA’s relocation and resettlement program serves multiple
purposes. First, it supports our local
governments in providing housing and assistance and ensures the families’
safety in danger zones. Second, the
relocation will help improve the sanitation and disaster-preparedness in
problem areas in Metro Manila.
The program is also pursuant to a
Supreme Court directing the clean up of the three-meter easement of the Pasig
River and its tributaries by 2015.
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