As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, I personally visited the government relocation sites intended for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City to assess the status of the housing projects after hearing reports and complaints from its beneficiaries.
Particular areas of concern which I inspected were Guadalupe Heights 2 in Brgy. San Isidro, New Hope Village in Brgy. Sta. Elena and Knightsridge in Brgy. Camansihay where pocket consultations with stakeholders together with the housing and local officials were also held.
It appears that numerous units were sub-standard and some were situated in flood and landslide prone areas thus posing imminent threat to the lives of the residents.
I again apoeal to the National Housing Authority officials to fast-track the construction of the remaining housing units, ensure its structural stability and secure the safety of its occupants.
As a result, will be calling for an investigation and probe as to the very slow recovery efforts in areas devastated by Sendong, Pablo and Yolanda. May the mistakes of the past nit be repeated anymore this time in Marawi and future disaster stricken areas.
