A total of 145 residents of Barangay 27, affected by a fire in September, received financial aid through the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) on Thursday, Dec. 4.
The cash assistance is intended to support families in their ongoing efforts to rebuild homes after the September incident, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The City Government, via the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) led by Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, streamlined the necessary paperwork to expedite the release of aid.
Of the beneficiaries, 144 received ₱30,000 each for homes that were completely destroyed, while one beneficiary received ₱10,000 for a partially damaged home.
“To everyone, our commitment is there that we will continue to give support and help each other for Brgy. 27 to rise up again. What is important is to do what we have committed,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
“Our purpose is to provide help to those who were affected by calamities, whether natural or man-induced. This assistance was given so you can slowly rebuild the homes that were taken away by the fire,” said NHA Community Support Officer Chelzy Jane Caspy.
Delsa Allaga, 67, a beneficiary, said that her family is still working on their temporary shelter. “We will use this assistance to finish rebuilding our home and finally remove the tarpaulins,” she said.
Nilo, another beneficiary who received ₱30,000, added that the aid would enable them to complete their construction. “This is a big help since this will help us finish our home,” he said.
Gasataya has assured the Barangay 27 residents that the city government will continue to work with national agencies to bolster their recovery and reconstruction efforts.*