President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced today the doubling of the government’s budget for housing in 2008 to P7 billion from this year’s P3 billion to give more Filipinos the opportunity to own homes. The President made the announcement when she visited Barangay 175 in Camarin, Caloocan City this morning where she also led the distribution of certificates of housing units to 10 residents of the barangay.

She said the increased allocation for housing was intended to sustain the momentum of her administration’s program to expand the country’s house ownership base.

The President braved heavy rains spawned by typhoon “Egay” to hold the informal meeting with officials and resident of the barangay and Caloocan City officials.

The 10 residents are now the proud owners of condominium units of the newly-constructed New Haven Condominium in Barangay 175, Camarin.

The New Haven Condominium is part of the government’s project to provide affordable housing to Filipinos through the National Housing Authority (NHA).

The President explained that the implementation of fiscal reforms has boosted the country’s economy as well as the government resources and its capability to undertake various vital pro-poor projects, including mass housing.

“Itong taong ito nakapaglagay tayo P3-billion para sa pabahay at saisang taon do-doblehin natin yung ating budget para sa pabahay, gagawin nating P7-billion. Maraming salamat sa Itaas,” she said.

The announcement of the increased housing allocation by more than 100 percent was greeted with a prolonged applause by the barangay residents, many of whom were attended the informal interaction dripping wet.

The President also awarded PhilHealth cards to barangay residents and 120 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Training for Work Scholarships.

She also awarded a certificate to operate a Tindahan Natin convenience store to barangay Chairman Ireneo Cayetano. {sidebar id=9}

Last update : 25-09-2007 12:10

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