By Arjay L. Balinbin
Reporter
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday announced that National Housing Authority (NHA) Acting General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr. has been designated Secretary-General of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
In his memorandum to Mr. Escalada on Nov. 22, Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea said: “In compliance with the instructions of the President, and to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of public service, you are hereby tasked to perform the functions of the Secretary-General of HUDCC, in addition to your current functions, effective immediately.”
President Rodrigo R. Duterte announced last week the firing of Falconi V. Millar, then HUDCC’s secretary-general.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said Mr. Millar was fired due to allegations of corruption.
For its part, the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) assured the public that the dismissal of Mr. Millar will “not distract” the ongoing reconstruction of Marawi City.
“We will not let this issue distract our continuing efforts to rehabilitate the city of Marawi. Debris management in the most affected area has been ongoing since the groundbreaking at the end of October, with the developer, FINMAT International Resources, Inc. already on board,” the task force said in its statement on Nov. 22.
“We are also preparing for the fourth Kawiyagan set for Nov. 29 — the livelihood convergence initiative of TFBM member agencies. The unwavering commitment of member agencies and stakeholders in this work continues to be the nucleus of government effort in bringing affected families and communities back on its feet and the battered city to normalcy.”

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR