President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently spearheaded the distribution of 3,517 new homes to families impacted by Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Eastern Visayas region. The event took place at Burauen Community College in Leyte, where the President symbolically handed over keys to local leaders and selected beneficiaries.
The housing initiative, part of the government’s response to the devastation caused by the typhoon in November 2013, includes projects like Cool Spring Residences in Burauen, Leyte, which features 600 bungalow-style units. Other developments include the Culaba Housing Project in Biliran, Marabut Ville Sites in Samar, and several projects in Leyte such as Riverside Community Residences, Mont Eagle Ville Subdivision, Coconut Grove Village, Dagami Town Ville, and Pastrana Ville.
Before the official handover, President Marcos inspected the Cool Spring Residences, emphasizing the durability of the new homes against strong winds and earthquakes. He urged beneficiaries to take good care of their new homes and encouraged the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) to continue developing resilient housing designs suitable for changing climate conditions.
Burauen Mayor Juanito Renomeron expressed gratitude towards the President and his administration for their commitment to completing these housing projects over a decade after the typhoon. He praised the government’s efforts in providing safer homes and improving the quality of life for Filipino families.
Residents like Romualdo Naboya, a beneficiary of Cool Spring Residences, shared their relief and joy at receiving a new home. Naboya, who previously lived in a makeshift house, highlighted the security and comfort the new residence brings, especially during typhoons. The housing project, part of the NHA’s Yolanda Permanent Housing Program, marks a significant step towards recovery and resilience for the affected communities.