Government rolls out housing for Ips

MANILA, Philippines — The government has started its first housing project for indigenous peoples (IPs) as part of efforts to provide more homes to Filipinos.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) recently rolled out its first housing project for the Dumagat tribe in Aurora and Nueva Ecija.

The project in Barangay Matawe in Dingalan, Aurora will benefit 245 Dumagat families.

On the other hand, the project in Barangay Malinao in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will consist of 95 housing units.

The units will be equipped with drainage systems, power and water facilities, and road networks.

Both housing projects in Aurora and Nueva Ecija include the land development for a multi-purpose covered court and permanent evacuation center for the IPs in the municipalities.

Housing chief Eduardo Del Rosario said the housing project is part of President Duterte’s directive to prioritize IPs in building resilient and affordable housing communities for all.

He added that the government targets to reach out to grassroot communities and provide additional facilities in disaster-risk areas.