Manila Water Foundation led the ceremonial turnover of fishing gears and equipment to 3,000 fisherfolk families in Cardona, Rizal, under its environmental sustainability program, Project Katig.
Manila Water Foundation, through its environmental sustainability program, Likas, recently handed over fishing gears and equipment to enhance and enable the livelihood of fisherfolk under Project Katig.
“Katig” is the Filipino term for the boat outrigger: the part that supports the vessel, keeping it steady and balanced above the water. Project Katig aims to provide holistic and sustainable community development interventions to watershed and coastal communities in need.
The ceremony was led by Manila Water Company President and CEO, and MWF President, Jocot de Dios. In the event, a ceremonial MOA signing was held to signify collaboration between the local government unit of Cardona, Rizal and Manila Water Foundation.
Municipal Mayor Bernardo San Juan Jr. of Cardona, Rizal and Municipal Vice Mayor Gil Pandac together with Cardona Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) Chairperson Sonny San Jose and MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal were present during the MOA signing.
The ceremonial turnover of fishing gears and equipment followed, to the delight of the fisherfolk. 30 bundles of 300x14m Super G fishing nets, 120 rolls of Rope #10, #8 and # 2, 420 pieces of bamboo and 8 units of motorized fishing boats were given to the fisherfolk.
“Ito pong ginagawa namin ngayong araw na ito ay maliit na bagay lang, isang paraan nang pagpapasalamat sa mga taga-Cardona dahil po sa pagtanggap ninyo sa amin. Naisipan po namin dahil nasa baybayin kayo ng Laguna Lake na makatulong po sa mga mangingisda dito,” said De Dios.
In his message, FARMC Chairperson Sonny San Jose, representing the fisherfolk families, expressed his gratitude to Manila Water for the livelihood support given to their community. “Ang Cardona ay isang bayan na mas malaki ang bilang ang umaasa sa lawa, ang mga bagay na ibinigay ninyo sa amin ay napakalaking bagay dahil ang mga kasamahan nating mangingisda ay matagal nang nangangarap pero ang problema nila ay kanilang punuhan pero ngayon ay nabigyan ninyo ng tugon.” said San Jose.
Serving as subject matter experts and resource agencies, representatives from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region IV-A were also present to signify their support and assistance for Project Katig on capacity-building activities, fingerling provisions and water quality testing.
Before the milestone ceremony, Manila Water Foundation facilitated a community visioning activity to map out and prioritize the societal issues and gaps that need solutions through water access, sanitation and hygiene or WASH and environmental sustainability projects.
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in partnership with the Regalo ng Kilit Foundation Inc. convened the First International Conference on School-plus-Home Gardens cum Biodiversity Enhancement Enterprise (SHGBEE1) in Coron, Palawan on 8-12 November 2022.
The conference theme is “Restoring Biodiversity, Regenerating Agriculture and Building Businesses”.
SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio said the international conference was organized by SEARCA and Regalo ng Kilit Foundation Inc. as a shared commitment to achieving food and nutrition security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and restoring biodiversity or “BioAgversity.”
“More than 70 participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and the United States joined the conference,” Gregorio said.
He said the participants include teachers and researchers from local schools, state universities and colleges, and other higher education institutions; policymakers from local government units and other government agencies; partners from the private sector; and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) both in the Philippines and in other Southeast Asian countries.
“The SHGBEE1 provides a platform for sharing experiences and best practices related to school and home gardens and their contributions to biodiversity enhancement and enterprise development in Southeast Asia,” Gregorio explained.
Four parallel sessions focus on the following thematic areas: Paving the Way for Sustainable School and Home Gardens through Conservation Agriculture for Organic Agriculture or CA4OA; Promoting SHGBEE through experiential K to 12 Lessons; Harmonizing School-plus-Home Gardens Project (S+HGP) with Biodiversity Enhancement, Community Enterprise, and Sustainable Livelihoods; and Fostering an Enabling Environment for SHGBEE through sound policy and NGO and private sector engagements.
Gregorio said the conference also features mobile workshops and will showcase facilities and practices to increase understanding and appreciation of the indispensability of biodiversity.
He added that SHGBEE also draws attention to the need to enhance and conserve biodiversity while sustainably producing food and supporting local tourism as alternative sources of income for households and the community.#
Since it began operating the water and wastewater system of eastern Metro Manila and Rizal Province, East Zone concessionaire Manila Water has endeavored to provide 24/7 water supply to its current 7.4 million residents. Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Manila Water has been reliably supplying uninterrupted supply not only to residences but also to important public services institutions like hospitals and health care centers, despite majority of its raw water source coming from the almost 50-year-old Angat Dam.
With an annual water demand increasing at 3% and the need for an additional supply of 15% during peak summer months, it is important that new water sources be developed to ensure the continuity of 24/7 service and not be totally reliant on Angat Dam.
Water security is at the forefront of Manila Water’ service improvement plan for the coming five years beginning 2023 to 2027. Included as other pillars in the plan are service continuity, service accessibility and environmental sustainability. “These major pillars represent the projects that Manila Water will undertake to ensure continued water and wastewater services for the increasing population of the East Zone and Rizal Province which continues to grow at an annual rate of 2-3%. Manila Water is earmarking P181 billion for the five-year plan, of which P105 billion are allotted for its massive capital expenditure program,” shared Manila Water President and CEO Jocot De Dios.
With climate change heavily impacting water source and supply, Manila Water has begun tapping Laguna Lake as an alternative source of water for its customers. It has completed the Cardona Water Treatment Plant, drawing water from the central portion of the lake, with a capacity of 100 million liters per day. The Laguna Lake Water System includes tapping the eastern portion of the lake called the East Bay Water Supply Project Phases 1 and 2 with a total capacity of 250 MLD. Construction of the Antipolo Water System is also underway with the Wawa Calawis Water Supply Project, Phase 1 of which will provide an initial 80 MLD and an additional 438 MLD expected to be completed in 2025. Manila Water continues to coordinate closely with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage for the Sumag River Diversion Project and the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Rehabilitation Project which are designed to provide additional water to the Angat water system.
While customers of Manila Water continue to receive 24/7 water supply, it is imperative that services should continue even if there are natural calamities and disasters. Retrofitting and ensuring the structural integrity of facilities are vital components of projects to address the impact of the ‘Big One’. Regular rehabilitation of mainlines, installation of redundant water lines as well as the construction of emergency reservoirs across the concession will ensure that impacts of a big earthquake to water supply will be mitigated.
Programs designed to promote environmental sustainability include the construction of wastewater treatment facilities compliant with the new standards on biological nutrient removal as well as the laying of sewer networks to ensure that wastewater undergoes proper treatment before it is discharge back into receiving water bodies.
“Implementation of Manila Water’s service improvement plan will ensure that water supply for East Zone customers will continue to remain 24/7 and at the same time, adequate wastewater and sanitation services will be available for those residing in San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Pateros, Marikina, portions of Quezon City and Manila as well as Rizal Province in the coming years,” De Dios added.#
The Bureau of Local Government Finance of the Department of Finance will conduct a Workshop on Judicial and Administrative Remedies (JAR) of some Provincial, City and Municipal Treasurers and local treasury staff on November 8 to 12, 2022.
Under EO 127, the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) is mandated to perform the following functions:
Assist in the formulation and implementation of policies on local government revenue administration and fund management;
Exercise administrative, technical supervision and coordination over the treasury and assessment operation of local government;
Develop or implement plans and programs for the improvement of resource management system, collection enforcement mechanisms and credit utilization schemes at the local levels;
Provide consultative services and technical assistance to the local government and the general public on local taxation, real property assessment and other related matters;
Exercise line supervision over its Regional Offices and the local treasury and assessment and other related matters;
Perform such other tasks or functions as maybe assigned by the Secretary of Finance or Undersecretary for Domestic Operations.
In Bureau Order No. 260-2022 dated October 13, 2022, the Bureau of Local Government Finance headed by OIC Executive Director Ma. Pamela P. Quizon, that eleven (11) Treasurers of the country are required to attend the workshop.
The controversial case of Edgar Villanueva is one of the highlights of the workshop.
In an exclusive interview with Edgar Villanueva, many of local treasurers of the country are apprehensive to impose or conduct auction on deliquent real properties, his case becomes precedent of DOF, hence Villanueva being Treasurer of Top Earning LGU is vital in the Judicial and Administrative Remedies Seminar,
“Tatalakayin ang naging kaso ko sa seminar na yan dahil napakagandang proteksyon ng mga local Treasurers sa bansa. Maganda ang pagkakalatag ng Korte Suprema sa naging desisyon, ipinaliwanag isa-isa. Sinasabi sa paliwanag na kawawa naman ang Treasurer kung ganyan ang mangyayari kaya ni-review ng Department of Finance ang inilabas na desisyon ng Korte Suprema sa kaso ko.” dagdag ni Villanueva #
With 2 million customers from marginalized communities now enjoying 24/7 water supply under its flagship program Tubig Para Sa Barangay or Water for the Community, Manila Water has endeavored to ensure that the same uninterrupted supply will be available to public service institutions commonly patronized by low-income families under its various Lingap or We Care programs.
Included in these public service institutions are schools and day care centers under the Lingap Eskwela program, public markets under Patubig sa Palengke, hospitals and health centers under, Lingap Ospital and even orphanages under Lingap Ampunan.
Manila Water undertakes the rehabilitation of water lines leading to these institutions and provides technical assistance on the repair and rehabilitation work of their respective internal reticulation systems. Drinking fountains and wash areas are also installed particularly in schools and day care centers and hospitals especially now that they have been part of the safety provisions against COVID-19.
Since the inception of the various Lingap programs in early 2000, Manila Water has completed around 326 schools, 22 hospitals, public markets, 12 detention centers, 19 barangay halls, 10 day-care centers, 10 orphanages and 7 other institutions such as churches, parks, and stadiums. Since 2019, the Manila Water Foundation, in coordination with its partners, has begun to take on the rehabilitation of the schools’ facilities under the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program.
“It has always been our mission to make water and sanitation available not only within the confines of homes but also in public service institutions which are regularly visited by most of our customers,” says Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water’s Group Head for Corporate Communication Affairs. “It is not only a matter of providing them water supply, but we need to ensure that our services remain uninterrupted and water flows 24/7 for these important institutions, especially now that face-to-face classes have already resumed, and mobility has returned to pre-pandemic levels with the easing of restrictions.”
“Even during the height of the pandemic in 2020, Manila Water worked round-the-clock to be able to provide 24/7 reliable water supply to our more than 7 million customers in the East Zone and Rizal Province. We are fully cognizant of the important need for water for health and hygiene with the scourge of the COVID-19; hence, we continued to implement augmentation and additional water sources just so that clean water will be available all the time,” says Sevilla. #
To speed up the recovery of the Ilocos Region’s economy, various firms, business organizations, and local government units (LGUs) expressed their intention to boost investments in the region during another leg of the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) roadshow, conducted by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI).
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc (middle) sits between Executive Director Bobby G. Fondevilla of the Board of Investments – Investment Assistance Center (BOI-IAC) (left) and Regional Director Grace Fargui-Baluyan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 1 (right) during the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) Roadshow in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on October 13, 2022.
The said roadshow, led by the BOI’s Domestic Investment Promotions Service (DIPS), was held in Laoag City on October 13, 2022. It was well-attended, as the participants from the private sector listened to the presentation and answers of the speakers and panelists.
In his welcome remarks, Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc of Ilocos Norte extended his appreciation to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the BOI for choosing the Ilocos Region as the host and venue of the said roadshow.
“We like to build on our industry and manufacturing as we move forward strategically and in line with the community,” the Governor said, expressing his optimism on the economic prospect of the region. He also added that the roadshow was part of the impetus for a successful partnership between the government and the private sector.
“I am looking forward to a fruitful partnership with the DTI and the BOI,” Governor Manotoc added.
While for her opening remarks, Ms. Grace Fargui-Baluyan, Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Region 1, stressed the importance of connection between the National Government Agencies (NGAs) and the Local Government Units (LGUs). Ilocos Region has a booming business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, she pointed out, indicating how investment goals have been operationalized in the region.
Regional Director Fargui-Baluyan said that the region’s LGUs must focus first on its investment priorities. “We cannot promote all. We need to focus, and we need to ask ourselves what considerations should matter,” she added, emphasizing the need for prioritization and rethinking.
“We need to identify which of these industries will make a difference for most people and improve the economic well-being of our constituents, and boost our region’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors,” she added, emphasizing the upsides of more investments such as generation of more jobs.
“We extend our gratitude to the BOI, and I hope that we rethink our options to make our cities the more preferred investment destination, by improving the level of competitiveness of each region, city and municipality,” she concluded.
On the other hand, Ms. Vida Karna Bacani, OIC Division Chief of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 1, presented the economic overview of Ilocos Region. According to Ms. Bacani, Ilocos Region, just like other regions in the country, did not come out of the height of the pandemic unscathed. The accommodation and food services had been the most severely affected by the pandemic in 2020, she reported.
However, the region managed to bounce back, increasing its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 4.6 percent in 2021. She added that the reopening of the economy aided Region 1’s recovery in 2021 from a 7.7 percent contraction in 2020 to a 4.6 percent growth with the lifting of lockdowns, continued and easier flow of goods and services, and resumption of various economic activities, entailing more job opportunities.
However, she added, the resiliency of the region’s economy, particularly its agriculture sector, continues to be challenged as climate change and unfavorable weather conditions and typhoons continue to affect the supply of agricultural products in the Ilocos region.
With the economic slump, enabling policies that will facilitate inclusive recovery in the different economic sectors is a must coupled with measures to safeguard price stability in the region to stave off unimaginable inflation risks and bounce back to pre-pandemic growth levels that are robust enough to foster inclusive development. Further, she also bared the three leading industries in 2021: agri-based, construction, and gift, toys and housewares.
For the highlight of the roadshow, BOI Investment Assistance Center (IAC) Executive Director Bobby G. Fondevilla comprehensively discussed the recently-approved SIPP, which was deemed effective last June 11. The SIPP contains a list of priority activities for investment promotion and facilitation and a menu of incentives provided under Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) Act.
“SIPP is the country’s investment plan containing the list of priority activities for investment promotion and facilitation. It underwent an evaluation. It is also aligned with the Philippine long term aspirations and vision,” the Executive Director told the participants.
In particular, Tier 1 are the activities under the 2020 Investment Priority Plan (IPP), unless specifically included in Tier 2 or Tier 3. While Tier 2 are activities that fill gaps in the value chain; import substituting. Further, Tier 3 activities are those connected with technology, innovation, and research and development.
In addition, the SIPP categorizes activities into industry tiers. Executive Director Fondevilla said that the criteria for priority determination takes into account any of the following criteria: substantial amounts of investments, considerable generation of employment, considerable amount of exports, use of modern, new, and advanced tech, addressing links and gaps in the supply/value chain, and promotion of market competitiveness.
Executive Director Bobby G. Fondevilla of the BOI’s Investment Assistance Center (IAC) (middle), together with other panelists from the BOI, responded to the questions from the participants of the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) Roadshow in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on October 13, 2022. Joining him in the open forum were the following (L-R): Mr. Diovencio A. Custudio of the Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (ISIS), Ms. Romalyn R. Manalo of the Resource-Based Industries Service (RBIS), Acting Director Ryan T. Ramos of the Incentives Service (IS); and Atty. Lester A. Olimpo of the Legal and Compliance Service (LCS).
Following the discussion of the SIPP was an open forum where representatives from the BOI joined Executive Director Fondevilla in answering inquiries from the participants. Other panelists were Mr. Diovencio A. Custudio of Infrastructure and Services and Industries Service (ISIS), Ms. Romalyn R. Manalo of Resource-Based Industries Service (RBIS), Acting Director Ryan T. Ramos of Incentives Service (IS); and Atty. Lester A. Olimpo of the Legal and Compliance Service (LCS). Subsequently, the same panelists interacted with prospective investors during the one-on-one consultation.
Moreover, Mr. Pastor G. Albano, Jr., Public Information Officer of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Region 1, delivered the response from the private sector, underscoring the significance of support for the micro-, small-, medium- enterprises (MSMEs) to attract more investors and achieve a robust and sustained economy in the region.
“I thank the BOI for conducting this roadshow to support the economic growth in the region,” Mr. Albano concluded. #
The Philippines, through the International School for Sustainable Tourism (ISST), is set to host the International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM 2023), the world’s first ecotourism-themed expo.
ISST has recently sealed its partnership with the Philippine-government hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) for the ecotourism fair, which will be held on March 29 to April 2, 2023 in Silang, Cavite.
Dr. Mina T. Gabor (seated, center), ISST President, signs agreements for the IETM 2023 with Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio (seated, right), SEARCA Director, and Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim (seated, left), ACB Executive Director.
SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio said “SEARCA and ISST share the common objective of promoting ecotourism to encourage economic productivity and income.”
Organized by the Japan-based Asian Environmental Network, the IETM 2023 will share best practices on ecotourism from global experts and provide networking opportunities for ecotourism authorities and advocates.
The first green travel mart and selling fair in the world will promote the country’s ecotourism sites, indigenous practices, and culture. It will also push for measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Expected to participate are delegates and exhibitors to showcase products and services that have a strong ecotourism component, green technology, and sustainable green practices.#
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director, Police Brigadier General Nicolas D Torre III said that the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day 2022 in Quezon City concluded peacefully.
In his statement, he said that the QCPD has not recorded any Undas related violence or incidents in Quezon City.
“Tuwing ginugunita ang Undas taun-taon, matinding preparasyon ang isinasagawa namin upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng bawat taong dadalaw sa kani-kanilang mga mahal sa buhay na namayapa na. Ngayong UNDAS 2022, marami po tayong idineploy na kapulisan maging sa aming mga counterpart agencies sapagkat inasahan na namin ang pagdagsa ng mga tao lalung-lalo na ngayong bumaba ang Covid-19 alert restriction. Dahil sa magandang preparasyon at koordinasyon, naging payapa ang UNDAS 2022 at walang naitalang insidente patungkol dito,” he added.
Furthermore, the District Director commended the QCPD personnel for their dedication in their duty which eventually led to peaceful and orderly Undas 2022. He also lauded the augmented personnel from NCRPO, Force Multipliers, Barangay Tanods, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), other agencies as well as the QCitizens for their support and cooperation.
Meanwhile, PBGEN Torre III said that the influx of passengers coming from different provinces who will return to Metro Manila after the Undas is already expected and therefore, policemen are still on guard especially at places were most people converge. “Our Police Assistance Desks (PADs) remain in bus terminals and MRT/LRT stations in order to assist the public and to ensure their safety,” he added.#
Pinaalalahanan ng labor department ang mga employer sa pribadong sektor na sundin ang kanilang legal na obligasyon sa pagbibigay ng wastong sahod sa kanilang mga manggagawa para sa idineklarang holiday sa Oktubre at Nobyembre 2022.
Ito ay alinsunod sa inilabas ni Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma na Labor Advisory No. 21, series of 2022, na nagtatakda ng wastong pasahod sa mga manggagawa para sa mga idineklarang special (non-working) days sa Oktubre 31 at Nobyembre 1, special (working) day sa Nobyembre 2, at ang regular holiday sa Nobyembre 30.
Idineklara sa Proclamation No. 79 na special (non-working) day sa Oktubre 31, samantalang Idineklara sa Proclamation No. 1236 ang Nobyembre 1 bilang special (non-working) day para sa pag-alala sa Araw ng mga Patay, Nobyembre 2 bilang special (working) day para sa Araw ng mga Kaluluwa, at Nobyembre 30 bilang regular holiday sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ni Bonifacio.
Nakasaad sa advisory na para sa special (non-working) day sa Oktubre 31 at Nobyembre 1, ang mga sumusunod na patakaran ang dapat sundin:
Kung hindi nagtrabaho ang empleyado, ang “no work, no pay” ang dapat sundin,
maliban na lamang kung may polisiya o CBA ang kompanya na nagbibigay ng sahod para sa nasabing araw.
Para sa trabahong ginampanan sa nasabing araw, babayaran siya ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang sahod para sa unang walong oras na pagtatrabaho (basic wage x 130%).
Para sa pagtatrabaho ng higit sa walong oras (overtime work), babayaran siya ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita sa nasabing araw.
Kung nagtrabaho ang empleyado sa nasabing araw at ito rin ay araw ng kanyang pahinga, babayaran siya ng karagdagang 50 porsiyento ng kanyang arawang sahod para sa walong unang oras ng pagtatrabaho (basic wage x 150%).
Para sa mahigit walong oras na kanyang trinabaho sa nasabing araw at ito rin ay araw ng kanyang pahinga, babayaran siya ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita sa nasabing araw (hourly rate of the basic wage x 150% x 130% x number of hours worked).
Para sa idineklarang special (working) day sa Nobyembre 2, nakasaad sa labor advisory na kung magtatrabaho ang empleyado sa nasabing araw, babayaran lamang siya ng kanyang arawang sahod at wala siyang matatanggap na premium pay dahil ito ay itinuturing na ordinaryong araw ng pagtatrabaho.
Sa kanilang banda, ang mga sumusunod ang dapat sundin para sa sahod ng mga manggagawang magtatrabaho sa Nobyembre 30, regular holiday:
Kung hindi siya nagtrabaho, babayaran siya ng 100 porsiyento ng kanyang sahod para sa nasabing araw, ngunit kinakailangang nagtrabaho o may leave of absence with pay sa araw na sinundan ng regular holiday. Ang computation ay basic wage x 100 percent.
Kung ang araw na kasunod ng regular holiday ay araw ng walang trabaho sa establisimyento o ito ay nakatakdang araw ng pahinga ng empleyado, dapat siyang bayaran ng holiday pay kung siya ay nagtrabaho o naka leave of absence with pay sa araw na sinundan ng regular holiday.
Samantala, sa trabahong ginampanan sa regular holiday, babayaran ang empleyado ng 200 porsiyento para sa unang walong oras ng pagtatrabaho (basic wage x 200 percent).
Para sa overtime, babayaran siya ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita (hourly rate of the basic wage x 200% x 130% x number of hours worked).
Kung nagtrabaho ang empleyado ng regular holiday at ito rin ay araw ng kanyang pahinga, dapat siyang bayaran ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita ng 200 porsiyento (basic wage x 200 percent x 130 percent).
Para sa pagtatrabaho ng higit sa walong oras sa regular holiday at ito rin ay araw ng kanyang pahinga, siya ay babayaran ng karagdagang 30 porsiyento ng kanyang orasang kita sa nasabing araw (hourly rate of the basic wage x 200 percent x 130 percent x 130 percent x number of hours worked). END/ aldm/gmea
The National Housing Authority (NHA) Region 1 Office recently led the inauguration of the dormitory housing project for students from the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
NHA Region I Officer-in-Charge Jefferson Ganado represented General Manager Joeben Tai at the said event and delivered the GM’s commitment to Building Better and More housing for informal settler families and the IPs.
According to GM Tai, uplifting the lives of the IPs through housing, livelihood, education, and all other forms of assistance is one of the program thrusts of the NHA, and the houses that the Authority builds for the IP families are accustomed to their culture, traditions, beliefs, way of life and symbols they observe.
GM Tai said that under his leadership, the NHA should continue to build better and more housing for the IP’s welfare.
The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College IP Students Dormitory Housing is in partnership with the local government for the benefit of the IP students in the province. The dormitory is a low-rise building with 12 units, complete with facilities and fixtures, including bedrooms, a kitchen, a mess hall, a laundry area, a toilet and bath, and a study area.
The housing project is under the NHA’s Housing Assistance Program for Indigenous Peoples (HAPIP). Through this program, the NHA provides quality housing units to the country’s IPs.
GM Tai emphasized the importance of such projects in developing the NHA’s core, saying, “Let this project be an example of our relentless efforts to provide inclusive programs for every Filipino. This is just one of our many triumphs, and I hope that by the end of my term, we will be able to address our country’s housing needs; of course, through the help of our partners and stakeholders.”
Also present during the inauguration were Narvacan Mayor Pablito Sanidad Sr., 2nd District Representative Kristine Singson Meehan, former Narvacan Mayor Luis Chavit Singson, and ISPSC Campus Administrator Dr. Emed F. Manzano.#
TUKLASIN NATIN 
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