DBM releases P9.8B for NHA program for informal settlers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P9.8 billion for the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) housing relocation program for informal settlers families residing in or along danger areas in Metro Manila.

According to the DBM, the money would support the construction of 30,704 housing units by 2014, comprising 26,948 from off-city resettlements and 3,756 from in-city low-rise buildings.

Of the total housing units, 8,084 from 9,882 developed lots would be completed before the year ends.

“With all the typhoons and weather disturbances we experienced this year alone, we are already too familiar with the tragic consequences of climate change—particularly the loss of life and property. This latest release will go a long way in supporting the NHA’s housing assistance to informal settler families (ISFs) particularly those who’ve built their makeshift homes in locations that are prone to heavy flooding,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

“In relocating these families, we are also declogging our major roads and thoroughfares, which will of course have a significant impact on our efforts to address the extensive flooding in several parts of Metro Manila. In a sense, it’s a win-win situation for our ISFs—who will be transferred to safer housing resettlements—and for the broader population, who can soon expect improvements in our flood control program,” Abad said.

The DBM likewise turned over P238.6 million to the NHA to cover the construction of housing units for  Yolanda victims whose homes were wiped out or damaged by the powerful storm.

Abad said the money, charged against budgetary support to government corporations, forms part of a P350 million rollout for NHA’s Emergency Housing Assistance for Calamity Victims Program (EHACVP).

EHACVP is a nationwide program designed to respond to the permanent housing needs of low- and marginal-income families and informal settlers affected by calamities such as typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, and fires.

Under the program, beneficiaries would be relocated to permanent dwellings in safe areas.

NHA implements the EHACVP with other LGUs in need of housing assistance for their affected communities. It would provide housing materials assistance of P5,000 for every family.

The balance of P114.4 million, on the other hand, would be used to help households affected by previous calamities including fires and earthquakes.