TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) awarded 175 housing units to homeless families in the Cagayan Valley Region.
The ‘Pabahay’ project is an initiative of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division of PNP Region 2, anchored on the mission to attain a lasting police-community partnership in the pursuit of peace, security, and development.
Police Major Sharon Mallillin, regional information officer, said since 2021, when the project commenced, 62 housing units have already been completed, inaugurated, and awarded to identified beneficiaries in Isabela province; 65 in Cagayan; 24 in Nueva Vizcaya; 13 in Quirino, five in Batanes; seven in Santiago City; and seven initiated by the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFB).
“This was conceptualized in our mission to serve as a beacon of a community-centered and service-oriented arm of the police organization. This is also part of our quest to further explore our potential to win the hearts and minds of the people,” Mallillin said.
She said the housing units were built through a ‘bayanihan’ system in collaboration with the members of the Regional Advisory Councils of the different police stations and units as well as through sponsorships of civic organizations and assistance from local government units.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ruben M. Martinez, battalion commander of the Isabela 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, said the criteria they consider in selecting their beneficiaries include the former rebels for them to be reintegrated into mainstream society.
“It is very challenging as this is not part of our mandate. However, we strategized to look for donors. One of the best practices in our unit is the creation of an advisory council where the members are included in the planning and the execution of this Pabahay Project,” he said.
One of the housing units awarded by the Philippine National Police Region 2 in Cagayan province. (Photo courtesy of PNP Region 2)
Roger Sanchez, a father of six from Ilagan City, Isabela, and a former rebel, expressed his gratitude to the government and the police force as he was one of the lucky beneficiaries of the ‘Pabahay’ project.
“I am very thankful for this project. If I did not surrender, maybe until now I don’t have a house yet. I will be forever grateful for this treasure they gave me. I promise them that I will take care of this,” Roger added.
In Peñablanca, Cagayan, the family of Jose and Lagrimas Pascua was also a lucky recipient of a housing unit of the Cagayan Police Provincial Office.
“We are very thankful for this opportunity. We now have a home of our own. We promise that we will take care of this gift from the government,” she happily stated.
Police officials said more housing units will be constructed for poor and deserving beneficiaries all over the region. (OTB/PIA Region 2)
Roger and Manilyn Sanchez thank the PNP and the government for the housing project awarded to them in Ilagan City. (Image by PIA 2)
