FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – At least 32 former rebels are set to benefit from a P14.4-million housing project to be established in Barangay Antipolo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commanding officer of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, said an agreement that was facilitated by the Army was sealed in a meeting with Bongabon Mayor Allan Xystus Gamilla and National Housing Authority Region 3 chief Engr. Jerome Yabot last Thursday.
“After our meeting, the NHA and the municipal engineering office conducted a site inspection at Barangay Antipolo where the housing project will be constructed. We also talked with the former rebels at Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon about their application process and other related matters,” Rubio said, vowing that the Army will continue to assist the intended recipients until their application for housing assistance and NHA approval are completed.
He explained that the initiative to establish a permanent housing project for the initial 32 former rebels forms part of the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program as they are being prepared for reintegration into mainstream society.
The Bongabon LGU and the NHA, along with other stakeholders have proactively extended support to the program for the former rebels, he said.
Brig. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, commended the collaborative efforts of the 91IB, Bongabon LGU, and NHA.
For his part, the commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr., said that the future housing project is a manifestation of the strong commitment of the government to uplift the living conditions of the former rebels through the convergence of efforts of the LGU, NGAs and other stakeholders.
“Ang ating gobyerno ay nagkakaisa upang maisakatuparan ang proyektong ito na mapapakinabangan ng mga dating rebelde na kusang nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan. Sa pamamagitan ng proyektong ito mabibigyan natin ng maayos na tahanan ang kanilang pamilya habang hinihintay ang mga benepisyo na makukuha nila. Kaya ang ating kasundaluhan ay patuloy na nananawagan sa lahat ng mga rebelde na sumuko na at tanggapin ang tulong ng gobyerno sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay,” said Rosario.
