Pleased Aquino raises NHA bonus

EXTREMELY pleased with the output of the National Housing Authority (NHA), President Aquino announced Thursday he had raised the NHA employees’ performance bonus from P3,000 to P10,000.

Mr. Aquino was guest of honor at the NHA’s 40th anniversary held in Quezon City, where he gave a rundown of the agency’s accomplishments, most notable being the  building of 36 percent of the 1.35-million permanent housing units put up since 1975.

Mr. Aquino said the construction of the 483,063 permanent housing units was accomplished in only five years, from July 2010 to last August.

“Aside from our 36 percent, all others were built within 35 years. This does not include the 142,374 permanent housing (units)  projected to be completed in 2016,” the President said.

Mr. Aquino gave credit to  Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chair Chito Cruz and NHA General Manager Sinforoso Pagunsan.

The President noted that, according to Cruz, most of what would still be accomplished was under construction compared to the completed housing units.

“You haven’t failed me yet, Chito, such that if you deliver your promise earlier, I assure you I will not feel bad,” the President told his Ateneo classmate in jest.

There was no mention, however, of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was HUDCC chair until recently when he formally announced a run for the presidency and declared his opposition to the administration.

Mr. Aquino also gave credit to the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo for inspiring the construction of the Manggahan Residences in Pasig City, where the “informal settlers should not be considered problems but partners.”

“With Jesse’s concept, we are now implementing the People’s Plan, where the beneficiaries contribute to … solutions to their problems. We listened to the voices of both sides, we reached an agreement and by cooperating with each other, the result was positive. I think everybody was happy,” Mr. Aquino said.

The Manggahan Residences is an NHA low-rise project built under the P50-billion fund the President allocated for the informal settlers of Metro Manila living in danger zones, such as along rivers and creeks.

Mr. Aquino said 900 families would benefit from the project, keeping them away from harm and giving them decent homes.

Phase 1 of the project has been completed, while Phase 3 will be completed in May, ahead of Phase 2.

Mr. Aquino also congratulated the NHA for building houses and extending help by giving materials assistance to survivors of disasters, as well as to the military and the police.