THE National Housing Authority (NHA) is set to approve an allocation of P38 million to survey more land in Taytay, Rizal intended for distribution as government housing, according to testimony delivered at a Congressional hearing.
“It just needs board approval to allocate the P38 million and… NHA will convene its board within the week and approve the same,” Negros Occidental-3rd district Rep. Alfredo B. Benitez said while questioning a resource person during the House and Urban Development committee meeting on Thursday.
NHA Division Manager Ma. Theresa L. Siat said of the targeted 6,000 housing units, 800 at the current Taytay site are ready for occupancy while only 59 have been distributed.
Ms. Siat said all 800 lots at the active site may be awarded by June, while the whole of the 6,000 target will have to wait for the subdivision plan before it is awarded.
“It may take until June to award the 800 but for the additional 6,000 we are awaiting the plans,” she told the panel.
The House panel was hearing testimony on House Bill No. 8255, or the Manggahan Floodway Socialized Housing Project Act, written by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The bill seeks to allocate 71 hectares of land on the east and west embankment of the floodway in Taytay, Rizal, in accordance with Proclamation No. 458, issued in 1994 by President Fidel V. Ramos.
Mr. Benitez said the bill’s enactment will depend on the next Congress, due to time constraints.
“The committee notes the position and sentiments of all stakeholders, so the chair admits it is already late in the day to see the passage of this bill into law. Let the next Congress take notice of the sentiments raised now, and let the records of the meeting help guide the succeeding committee in its consideration of the proposed measure, if filed anew,” Mr. Benitez said.
Congress is out of session between Feb. 9 and May 19 for the midterm elections on May 13. It will resume session on May 20 and officially conclude business on June 7. — Charmaine A. Tadalan
