3 Naga communities gain security of tenure through 4PH

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Three more communities in Naga City have gained security of tenure through the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), one of the housing initiatives under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) President and CEO Federico Laxa and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo awarded checks totaling more than PHP65.8 million to the Mabolo Village Homeowners’ Association Phases 1 and 2 and Saint Joseph Homeowners Association during a ceremony in Barangay Pacol late Tuesday afternoon.

Representing the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Assistant Secretary Johnson Domingo also attended the event on behalf of Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

The awarding will benefit 420 families and was among the highlights of Jesse Robredo Day, a special working holiday in Naga City honoring the legacy of the late interior secretary and former city mayor.

The latest assistance brings the total number of ECMP beneficiaries in Naga City to more than 800 families, with combined loan assistance reaching about PHP92 million.

In June, the SHFC also awarded checks to two other ECMP communities in the city, further strengthening its support for Nagueños seeking secure and affordable housing.

Laxa said the latest awarding builds on the SHFC’s continuous efforts to expand access to secure tenure among low-income communities.

“From now on, they will be able to sleep soundly,” he said. “They will have peace of mind and will no longer fear being evicted from their land.”

Thanking the DHSUD and SHFC for their continued efforts to assist her constituents, Robredo described the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) as a “life-changing” program, particularly because it allows families to remain in their existing communities.

“The best ang CMP kasi onsite. Hindi na sila mamomroblemang ilipat sila (The best thing about the CMP is that it is onsite. They will no longer have to worry about being relocated),” she said.

Meanwhile, Mabolo Village Phase 1 president Rowena Bañas and Mabolo Village Phase 2 president Marissa Ramirez expressed their gratitude, describing the housing assistance as an “answered prayer.”

Sharing the sentiment, Saint Joseph Homeowners Association president Nilo Villaflor underscored the timeliness of the assistance, noting that their community had faced the threat of eviction before being enlisted under the ECMP.

Launched last year, the ECMP is SHFC’s improved and streamlined version of the 38-year-old CMP, designed to make housing assistance more responsive, accessible, and transformative for organized low-income communities.

To date, 47 ECMP projects have been approved, benefiting more than 8,000 families across the country.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. on Wednesday directed all city and municipal local chief executives to heighten preparedness and response measures amid the continuing effects of the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

Villafuerte, chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), called on local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMOs), barangay officials, and response agencies to continuously monitor official weather and hazard advisories, particularly those on heavy rainfall, flooding, rain-induced landslides, thunderstorms and strong winds.

In a memorandum, Villafuerte ordered local government units (LGUs) to ensure the readiness of response teams, rescue personnel, vehicles, communication systems and other equipment for immediate deployment when needed.

Punong barangays and barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees (BDRRMCs) were also directed to closely monitor hazard-prone areas and promptly disseminate warnings and instructions to affected communities.

LGUs, Villafuerte said, must ensure that designated evacuation centers are accessible and ready for use, while residents in flood-, landslide-, and other hazard-prone areas should be informed of evacuation procedures and designated shelters.

Authorities were likewise directed to conduct preemptive evacuations when conditions warrant, particularly in areas at risk of flooding, landslides and other imminent hazards, with the safety of residents as the priority.

Fisherfolk, boat operators, and others engaged in sea-related activities were reminded to strictly monitor marine weather conditions and official advisories. Fishing and sea travel are prohibited when conditions become unsafe or when an appropriate warning is issued.

Localized suspension of classes may also be implemented when warranted by weather and hazard conditions, while work suspension for LGU personnel shall follow existing laws, regulations and issuances.

National government agencies, government instrumentalities, government-owned and -controlled corporations, and private-sector employers were also encouraged to adopt appropriate work suspensions or flexible work arrangements when weather conditions pose risks to personnel.

The memorandum further directed the immediate reporting of flooding, landslides, stranded persons, damaged infrastructure, displaced residents, and other emergencies to the concerned LDRRMO, barangay authorities or appropriate response agencies.

LGUs and response agencies must also report significant incidents, emergencies, damages, evacuations, and other critical developments to the PDRRMC Emergency Operations Center for coordination, monitoring, and response.

The PDRRMC underscored the need for heightened preparedness and operational readiness while the prevailing weather disturbance continues, urging all concerned authorities to take necessary measures to protect lives and property. (PNA)