A total of 184 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Barangay Carayungan Sur, Umigan, Pangasinan may soon move into their new homes after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) launched December 15, 2020 its housing project for local farmers under the BALAI Farmers Housing Program.
“Every Filipino has a right to have their own home,” DAR Secretary Brother John R. Castriciones said.
He said that providing decent houses to farmers will uplift their living conditions and economic status. He also said that the DAR conceptualized the housing program as a sign of gratitude to the farmers who have proven their worth as food providers of the nation.
“We must strengthen and raise the standard of living of our farmers. The housing project is a way to maintain the vitality of farming. Kaya nararapat lang na iparamdam natin sa ating mga magsasaka na sila ay mahalaga sa ating bansa at dapat sila ay tulungan, bigyan ng kaukulang suporta, upang mapabuti ang kanilang pamumuhay,” Brother John said.
Castriciones said the house is not substandard but is a quality house. All farmers with a monthly income of P10,000.00 can avail of a housing loan through the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation under the Pag-IBIG Mutual Fund payable in 25 years at a very low interest.
“Isa po itong patunay na mahal ng gobyerno ang mga magsasaka, ang BALAI Housing Program ay para po sa ating mga magsasaka,” Castriciones said.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Maria Ana Francisco said they will initially choose 100 agrarian reform farmer-beneficiaries, who are holders of certificates of land ownership award, for the BALAI program, which stands for Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive Filipino Communities.
“We wanted to provide decent housing to farmers. A house that has rooms, not just one room, and it will have a kitchen, dining area, among others. It will not just be a housing site but a village of farmers that is a one-stop-shop with all their needs,” she said.
Pangasinan 6th District Congressman Hon. Tyrone D. Agabas, Board Member Noel C. Bince, graced the event with DHSUD Secretary Hon. Eduardo D. del Rosario, Umingan Municipal Mayor Michael Carleone M. Cruz, Undersecretary for Support Services Office Atty. Emily O. Padilla, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Research Office Virginia N. Orogo, Assistant Secretary Support Services Office Atty. Milagros Isabel A, Cristobal, Assistant Secretary Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO) Ubaldo R. Sadiarin, Jr., Regional Director Primo C. Lara, PARPO II Maria Ana B. Francisco, other DAR staff, city officials, barangay officials. ###(Public Assistance and Media Relations Service, Department of Agrarian Reform)
