PHOTO BY EDWIN MULI
The National Housing Authority (NHA) on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement with GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. (GKFI) to build 600 housing units for the families affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
The housing units, which GKFI will fund and build, will be constructed following the “Build Back Better” design parameters set by NHA.
Vice President Jejomar Binay thanked the private sector for continuing to support government programs to provide homes for Yolanda survivors.
“We are grateful for the steadfast support of the private sector for our housing programs for the families affected by Typhoon Yolanda,” Binay said.
“I am confident that through our concerted efforts, we will be able to fast track the building of quality and climate resilient homes for survivors of the recent calamities,” he added.
The parameters include gender sensitivity, emergency design concepts, and stronger structural elements to better withstand adverse weather and geological conditions.
Of the 600 units, 400 will be constructed in a 3.5-hectare property owned by the Tacloban LGU, while 200 will be built in a 2.05-hectare land owned by the LGU of Palo. NHA will handle the land development for the two sites.
Binay said families whose houses were partially or totally damaged will be prioritized in the permanent housing programs.
“Aside from the housing units, the project sites will also have community facilities such as schools, health facilities, and water and power connections,” the housing czar said.
For his part, NHA General Manager lawyer Chito Cruz said, “We are encouraging more donors as partners, so we can continuously help all our fellow Filipinos who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda start new and better lives.”