Arakan, Cotabato – The National Housing Authority (NHA) handed over 75 of the 151 housing units in Barangay Libertad to the Manobo-Tinananon indigenous peoples (IPs) in Arakan, Cotabato on September 30, marking a significant milestone for the community, particularly those affected by the series of devastating earthquakes that struck Cotabato in October 2019.
The housing project is part of the government’s effort to provide permanent and safe homes for displaced IP families. Each unit comes with a 100-square-meter lot, offering the beneficiaries a new start after years of living in temporary shelters.
Nenita Tohonanon, president of the Homeowners Association, expressed the community’s heartfelt gratitude for finally receiving their homes after a long wait. “We were unaware that the NHA was prepared to meet our needs. That’s why I assured my fellow IPs that we should not lose hope, as there are those who are ready to assist us,” Tohonanon said. She recalled the difficulties of living in makeshift tents and thanked the local government for their immediate support during the crisis.
Overcoming Challenges to Provide Quality Housing
During the turnover ceremony, NHA Soccsksargen Regional Manager Engr. Zenaida Cabiles highlighted the dedication of the NHA in delivering on its mandate, despite numerous challenges. “Our ultimate goal is to provide decent, quality housing for the beneficiaries,” Cabiles said. She acknowledged the obstacles encountered during the project, including failed bidding processes, difficulties in procuring materials, design changes, and adverse weather conditions.
Cabiles also urged the beneficiaries to take good care of their new homes, reminding them not to sell the government-provided housing units. “These houses are meant to improve your lives and provide you with stability. Take care of them, and don’t sell them,” she advised.
Completion of Remaining Housing Units
The NHA plans to complete the remaining 76 housing units by November 2024. These units are located in Barangay Ganatan, specifically in Sitios Lomunday and Mambino, which will have 33 and 43 units, respectively.
Beyond Arakan, the NHA has also made progress in other areas of Cotabato. In Tulunan, 52 out of 517 housing units have been completed, while M’lang has seen 70 units finished. In Kidapawan City, 1,130 units have been built to date, providing permanent homes for many displaced families.
The turnover ceremony was led by NHA Regional Manager Zenaida Cabiles and OCD Regional Director Raylindo Aniñon, alongside local officials, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing safe and resilient housing for those in need. The event symbolized not just the completion of homes but a renewed hope for the Manobo-Tinananon IPs and their future.
