Kananga, Leyte — Vice President Leni Robredo seeks for a wider role for local government units in the construction of housing projects for the victims of the 6.5 magnitude quake in the Province of Leyte.
During her visit last Friday, she suggested giving funds to the local government units (LGUs) to fast-track housing projects.
Being delegated as the Housing and Urban Development Coordination Cuuncil chairperson, she realizes the mistakes from the post-“Yolanda” housing Projects. Leni said that it takes a while for a project to start because the National Housing Authority implements housing projects by bulk.
“My proposal is to give funds to the LGU because it is the only way to hasten the implementation of housing projects,”
Leni Robredo said.
She added that the need to build temporary shelters depends on the pace of permanent housing construction. Leni also vowed to help the displaced residents with their livelihood through private sector support.
“This is not the mandate of our office, but we can bridge them by coordinating with the LGUs in bringing private organizations who can help in livelihood assistance that can supplement in helping victims,”
she said.
Leni led the turn-over of 3,200 galvanized iron (GI) sheets for the construction of temporary shelters for families affected by the quake. The materials are worth nearly PHP 1 million, which was donated by some private organizations.
After her talk, she visited the families living in tents to check their condition and talk with them.
Mayor Rowena Codilla informed Leni Robredo that they already found a land for permanent shelter project; however, they are still waiting for the result from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the geohazard survey.
The LGU needs at least a four-hectare land for the permanent housing of the families affected by the quake.
Source: Philippine News Agency