Pangasinan bags top LGU plum

LINGAYEN, Philippines – Pangasinan has been awarded as the best local government unit in the fight against professional squatters and squatting syndicates.

Alvin Bigay, Pangasinan housing and urban development coordinating officer who received the award from Vice President Jejomar Binay last Oct. 25 at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, yesterday said the award is a result of the provincial government’s effective programs in support of Republic Act No. 7279 or the Special Laws on Anti-Squatting.

The awarding ceremony coincided with the National Shelter Month celebration held every October and served as the highlight of the 2013 Housing Fair festivities.

Aside from a plaque of recognition, Pangasinan also received a cash prize of P100,000.

Bigay said since the start of Gov. Amado Espino Jr.’s term in 2007, the provincial government has established innovative steps to address the perennial problem on illegal settlers.

Bigay added that the provincial government has a long-term plan to provide more livable communities for informal settlers residing in danger areas such as shorelines, riverbanks and waterways.

Based on the province’s records, there are at least 19,000 illegal settlers in Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, statistics showed that in a 2005 to 2010 survey, Pangasinan posted a housing need of 89,277 units.

The provincial government has established various relocation sites, among them the Lingayen Gulf Resettlement Project in Pangapisan Norte, Lingayen; Aplaya West Resettlement Project and Natividad Resettlement Project.

Bigay said the leaders of the various municipalities in the province are fully supportive of the housing projects for a slum-free Pangasinan.

Thirty-three out of 44 towns and four cities in Pangasinan have crafted their local shelter plan, said to be the highest compliance in Northern Luzon.