The housing teams of local government units (LGUs) have identified priority sites for the implementation of socialized housing projects in various communities in the 3rd District of Negros Occidental.

The initiative is part of the “Balay Hilway”, an integrated housing program that aims to put in place a long-term resilient and safe housing plan, particularly for informal settler families in the cities of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias, as well as the towns of EB Magalona and Murcia.

In a statement on Thursday, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez said in the next seven months, the housing teams would fast-track site inspection and assessment, and closely coordinate with his office for administrative support in applications for funding for housing projects by the national agencies.

“The LGUs are the driving force that hasten(s) action on housing plans and the congressional district office provides full support to facilitate programs and services to address the housing backlog in the 3rd District,” he added.

Benitez initiated the “Balay Hilway” in January this year, following the series of flash floods that hit Talisay, Silay, Victorias, and EB Magalona, which displaced at least 38,000 families and damaged more than 1,000 houses on January 8 and 9 alone.

On Wednesday, the lawmaker met with the mayors and LGU representatives at the Ilaya Highland Resort in Silay City to listen to the presentation of housing profiles and plans, focusing on priority sites for socialized housing projects in upland, lowland, coastal, and urban communities.

The situation of about 60,000 informal settler households in the 3rd District was discussed in the reports.

“Relocation sites for informal settler families have to seriously consider people’s needs and aspirations. We should look at the holistic concept of human settlements, creating economic value for communities thus, gaining acceptance for housing interventions,” Benitez said. (PNA)