GK village to rise in Alaminos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:29:00 05/28/2008
Filed Under: Housing & Urban Planning
PANGASINAN, Philippines -- Alaminos City and Gawad Kalinga (GK) have tied up to build a first-class eco-village to provide more than 100 homes for the fisher folk along the shoreline of Bolo Beach in the village of Pandan here.
Mayor Hernani Braganza recently signed a memorandum of agreement with GK founder Antonio Meloto.
The event was witnessed by Metro Manila Development Foundation chair Bayani Fernando, president of the Entrepreneurial School Joel Santos and representatives of the United Architects of the Philippines-Dagupan City Chapter.
Braganza said the city and GK would combine their resources and capabilities to implement the joint housing and community project for the fishermen of Pandan.
The locality will provide free access to land titles and other vital documents while the GK Community Development Foundation will draw up a site development plan, a feasibility study and the legal, technical, financial, architectural and engineering plans.
The mayor said GK would set up livelihood programs in the area and ensure that basic services, such as education and health would be provided.
For his part, Braganza said he would identify homeless constituents living along the shores, riverbanks and public lands who qualify for the low-cost housing program.
“It’s the dream of my administration that there should be no squatters in the city,” he said. “In partnership with GK, this dream will soon be realized.”
He welcomed the initiative of GK to provide informal settlers with a permanent source of income.
“Our city mates will not only live in dignity but will leave a legacy to their children and children’s children. It is for their family and the city of Alaminos,” Braganza said.
He also lauded Alaminos vice mayor Teofilo Humilde for his support of the project.
Braganza accepted the invitation of GK’s Meloto to take part in the Global Summit of Gawad Kalinga in San Diego, California to seek the support of North America.
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