Binay donates P12M for Tanauan housing program

Vice President Jejomar Binay promised on Wednesday to give P12 million for the socialized housing program of this town, which is located 17 kilometers away from the regional capital of Tacloban. Earlier, municipal officials sought financial assistance from the Vice President for the program. Their request, made in a form of a resolution, was submitted to Binay on Wednesday.

Vice Mayor Ronald Flores said they approved Resolution Number 2013 64 seeking financial assistance to the Vice President during their September 16, 2013 session. The resolution states that “the absence of decent and affordable housing facilities remains to be one of the most pervasive socio-economic problems not only by the entire country but of the municipality of Tanauan, which the government needs to confront, given the present situation,” and that there are about 60 percent of the Filipino households that belong to the poverty threshold.

Binay is considered the country’s housing czar being the chairman of the Housing and Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). The municipality of Tanauan, in line with its vision to transform the area as a residential hub of Eastern Visayas, is embarking on a socialized housing program that will cater to the needs of the informal settlers, underprivileged and poor members of citizenry, especially those domiciled at the coastal, erosion and flood-prone areas, particularly Barangays San Roque and Bislig.

Binay pledged to give the P12 million to the Municipal Government, and the fund would come from the National Housing Authority. Mayor Pelagio Tecson Jr. said he is happy that Binay not only visited their town but also vowed to donate fund for their socialized housing program.

The socialized housing program is expected to benefit close to 2,000 informal settlers coming from seven barangays in this town. The site of the socialized housing program is in Barangay Solano, sitting at about two hectares. The Villegas family donated the lot to the local government. Mayor Tecson said they are still studying the mechanics of the program, like if the beneficiaries would pay certain amount of money for particular period.