DAVAO CITY – The National Housing Authority (NHA) reported at the recent Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Technical Working Group meeting that several housing projects are underway in the Davao Region.
NHA Davao regional manager Clemente Dayot revealed that four housing projects are currently in the packaging stage. One of which is the Maco Bagong Bahay-Bagong Buhay Project in Barangay Calablab, Maco, Davao de Oro, where out of 828 housing units planned, 20 units have already been turned over to the municipality. Another is the Pantukan Project in Davao de Oro. The local government unit (LGU) has acquired 2.4 hectares of land, which has been endorsed to NHA’s central office for approval.
For other housing and land development projects in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Norte, implementation is pending due to LGUs’ compliance with the required initial documents. NHA Davao highlighted land banking as a major challenge and suggested conducting an inventory of idle lands before proceeding with land acquisition.
Additionally, for the “Bal’ay Maalag Project” in New Bataan, 315 housing units are planned, with 21 units already turned over as of December 2024. Beneficiaries will be identified through the LGU’s Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC).
These updates were part of the discussions on the Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (RRP) projects addressing the combined effects of the 2024 Shear Line and Trough of Low-Pressure Area in the Davao Region. Various national government agencies (NGAs) also presented their progress reports during the meeting.
The Department of Agriculture (DA XI) reported eight RRP projects with a total budget of Php 2.3 million, including seed distribution, fishing gear provision, and pond preparation inputs. Three projects have been completed, while five are ongoing. Similarly, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR XI) completed one project and continued work on four others.
The Department of Energy (DOE XI) shared updates on Tarragona restoration efforts, with four sitios in Davao Oriental already energized and two undergoing restoration. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI XI) highlighted alternative livelihood programs, benefiting over 1,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and conducting 15 Presyo Diskwento Caravans.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA XI) reported progress on 10 irrigation projects, with seven completed and three pending implementations. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE XI) completed four emergency employment projects under TUPAD, benefiting displaced workers.
Other agencies, including the Department of Tourism (DOT XI) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH XI), detailed their ongoing infrastructure and livelihood initiatives. Local government units (LGUs) also provided updates on their respective rehabilitation efforts.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among agencies and LGUs to ensure timely implementation of recovery projects, addressing the region’s vulnerabilities and fostering resilience.(RVC/PIA-Davao)
