Gov’t set to end Yolanda housing backlog this year

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., accompanied by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai, Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Acuzar, Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Peyilla and other government officials join housing beneficiaries for a group photo following the ceremonial turnover of eight completed Yolanda Permanent Housing Program (YPHP) Projects in the provinces of Leyte, Samar and Biliran. The turnover ceremony was held at the Burauen Community College Multi-Purpose Gym in Burauen, Leyte on Friday morning. (Photo from the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez)

MANILA, Philippines —  All housing projects for victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda more than 11 years ago will  be completed this year, Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said on Friday.

Speaking at the ceremonial turnover of 3,517 housing units for Yolanda victims in Leyte, Acuzar said the target completion aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.

“Utos ng Pangulo: Tapusin ng NHA [National Housing Authority] ang lahat ng Yolanda-housing projects dito sa Region 8 at sigurado lahat ngayong taon ay tatapusin ang problema sa Yolanda housing,” he said.

(The President’s Directive: The NHA [National Housing Authority] must complete all Yolanda housing projects here in Region 8 and ensure that all issues related to Yolanda housing are resolved within this year.)

“Naniniwala kami na ang okasyong ito ay magsisilbing panibagong pag-asa at inspirasyon para lalong magpursige sa buhay. Sa pamamagitan ng ligtas at disenteng bahay, matatag at maunlad komunidad,” Acuzar added.

(We believe that this occasion will serve as a renewed source of hope and inspiration to strive harder in life. Through safe and decent housing, we can build a stable and prosperous community.)

(Photo courtesy of PCO)

The housing units were built under the NHA’s Yolanda Permanent Housing Program. Each unit has a floor area of between 22 to 28.6 square meters and is built on a lot of about 40 square meters.

The homes are located in Cool Spring Residences, Riverside Community Residences, Mont Eagle Ville Subdivision, Coconut Grove Village, Dagami Town Ville and Pastrana Ville, all in Leyte.

Some houses are in Marabut Ville Sites 1 and 2 in Samar; and the Culaba Housing Project in Biliran.

Marcos, for his part, told the beneficiaries that their new houses will be able to withstand calamities.

“Nagpatayo tayo ng mga bahay na matibay at kayang siguruhing ligtas ang inyong pamilya sa gitna ng mga hamon ng kalikasan. ‘Yan ay dahil sa disaster-resilient housing design na masusing isinagawa ng National Housing Authority,” he said.

(We built sturdy houses that can ensure your family’s safety amid the challenges of nature. This is because of the disaster-resilient housing design meticulously implemented by the National Housing Authority.)

According to the NHA, 175,728 out of 189,800 target units were already completed as of December 2024, including the 3,517 units in the ceremonial turnover.

Meanwhile, the remaining 14,072 units are expected to be completed by December 2025.