The local government of IGACOS intends to ensure appropriate living conditions for the informal settlers residing in risk zones in accordance with RA 7279.
The check for 1st tranche for IP Housing Project, "Amowawon bay na Sama", in Brgy. Balet, Babak District, amounting to 15 million pesos, was handed over by the National Housing Authority XI, represented by Engr. Mark Robert Marter, to LGU-IGACOS and Bia Merlinda B. Limboan, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative of Brgy. Balet, yesterday, November 23, 2021, at SP Session Hall.
Bia Limboan expressed her heartfelt gratitude for being one of first recipients of the Resettlement Assistance Program of NHA XI.
"… Dili matungkad ang akong pasalamat sa inyong tanan sa inyong suporta sa among barangay Balet, kay kini, yani ya first time sa atoang tulo ka distrito sa atong Island Garden City of Samal... naabot na gyud ang among gipangayo. Sampong samat sa Magbabaya" she said.
IGACOS Mayor, Hon. Al David T. Uy, sincerely thanked the national government and the NHA XI for allocating funds to the city for the project. He also announced that a Php10-million counterpart from the local government will be supplemented for the development of drainage systems, concrete roads, power supply, water systems, and other essentials in the area.
Likewise, Hon. Richard Guindolman, IGACOS City Vice Mayor, expressed his appreciation to the NHA for giving the Lumads on the island, particularly in Brgy. Balet, a great opportunity to be resettled and is hopeful for more help to be offered in the other areas of the city.
According to Engr. Marter, as agreed upon by the parties involved, the construction of the housing project will start 60 days from yesterday onwards, and complete the project within 325 calendar days.
City Administrator, Atty. Rosemarie B. Garde, the City Planning and Development Office headed by Engr. Mario S. Pacaldo, head of the City Treasurer's Office, Mrs. Merlina Caballero, IP Representative, Datu Alfonso San Juan, City Legal Officer, Atty. Iryshell Villegas, and Barangay Kagawad of Balet, Hon. Nardo Cativo, also witnessed the ceremonial turnover. (Samal Island Information / Novy Creta / Photos by: Elizabeth Oñada)