President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Joeben Tai, led the awarding of 3,517 housing units to families affected by Typhoon Yolanda during a ceremony at Burauen Community College. They also conducted an inspection at Cool Spring Residences, Brgy. Arado, Burauen, Leyte, on January 17, 2025.
The awarded housing units are located in Cool Spring Residences, Riverside Community Residences, Mont Eagle Ville Subdivision, Coconut Grove Village, Dagami Town Ville, and Pastrana Ville in Leyte; Marabut Ville Sites 1 and 2 in Samar; and Culaba Housing Project in Biliran.
Implemented under the Yolanda Permanent Housing Program (YPHP) of the NHA, these housing units and lots are granted free of charge to qualified families severely affected by the typhoon. President Marcos stated, “For the beneficiaries of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Program, you no longer need to pay amortization. Your house and lot are free. The NHA will not collect any payments because this is a grant from the government.”
In his speech, the President emphasized the importance of these projects in ensuring the safety and well-being of the beneficiaries.
“Under the leadership of the NHA and DHSUD, in coordination with your local governments, we have ensured that appropriate housing is provided to our fellow citizens. We have built strong and disaster-resilient houses that can keep your families safe in times of calamities. This is due to the carefully designed disaster-resilient structures created by the NHA. This means that our housing units can withstand strong winds and earthquakes,” the President stated.
The President also urged DHSUD and NHA to continue prioritizing climate-adaptive designs in their housing projects.
“To DHSUD and NHA, I expect you to further explore and utilize housing designs that are stronger and more suitable for climate change and the challenges of the times.”
Meanwhile, NHA GM Joeben Tai reiterated that the agency is making all efforts to complete the remaining housing projects under the YPHP.
“This ceremonial turnover is part of our efforts to complete the housing projects for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the provinces of Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.”
GM Tai also expressed gratitude to local governments for their continued support and trust in the NHA.
“I thank the leaders of Burauen, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Julita, Marabut, Pastrana, Dagami, and Culaba for your unwavering trust and coordination in building prosperous and livable communities.”
The event was also attended by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, Tingog Party List Representative Jude Acidre, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Burauen Mayor Juanito E. Renomeron, Tabontabon Mayor Efren D. Redoña, Tanauan Mayor Gina E. Merilo, Julita Mayor Percival S. Caña, Pastrana Mayor Maritess C. Marcos, Dagami Mayor Angelita M. Delusa, Marabut, Samar Mayor Percival A. Ortillo, Culaba, Biliran Mayor Humphrey B. Olimba, and other national and local government officials.#
