ANTIQUE – The provincial government of Antique targets to relocate 770 families to new housing units in Barangay Lugta, Laua-an town this December.
These families lost their homes to Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” in October 2022.
Gov. Rhodora Cadiao said the target date is Dec. 7. She made the announcement during an interview with Radyo Bandera Sweet-FM Antique on Wednesday, Nov. 8, following the 10th anniversary of Super Typhoon “Yolanda.”
The housing units were initially intended for Super Typhoon “Yolanda” victims in 2013. However, the local government unit of Laua-an refused to accept the units from the National Housing Authority (NHA) when completed in 2017 due to flooding problems and incomplete facilities at the site.
The governor said a P10-million fund has been allotted by the provincial government for the drainage system to address the flooding.
The project contractor has also expressed interest in providing P2 million to repair the houses and make them fit for occupancy.
A “Lugta Team” was created to expedite the transfer and organize the program to award housing titles. The team comprises the Laua-an municipal government, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Provincial Engineering Office, NHA, and the provincial government.
During the visit of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to Antique on Oct. 6, he thanked the provincial government for its efforts on the housing project.
“To know that we have 770 families who will spend this Christmas in their new home is one of the best news that I have heard in a long time,” said Marcos./PN