TACLOBAN CITY — The National Housing Authority (NHA) in the region has reaffirmed its commitment to providing housing support to former rebels, even as the agency faces a drastic reduction in its national budget for 2025.
During a forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on May 7, NHA Regional Manager Constancio Antiniero emphasized the agency’s unwavering support for peace and reintegration programs despite limited resources.
“Our mission remains the same,” Antiniero said. “We are committed to helping former rebels rebuild their lives, even if our funding has been significantly cut.”
The NHA had initially proposed a P32-billion budget for 2025, but only P2 billion was approved nationwide—a development that has stalled numerous projects across the country, including those in Eastern Visayas.
Among the affected initiatives is a proposed housing site in Mondragon, Northern Samar, intended to benefit 34 former rebels. Although funding has not yet been secured, Antiniero said the provincial government remains determined to push through with the project, with or without direct departmental support.
To keep the project moving forward, the NHA is now exploring inter-agency partnerships. The Mondragon site was previously inspected by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) in July 2024 and is being considered for inclusion in the 2025 lineup of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (Pamana) Program.
Antiniero said the agency also plans to lobby for additional funding in the coming year to ensure continued support for underserved and conflict-affected communities.
The NHA’s housing program for former rebels is part of a broader national effort to foster peace and development in areas affected by insurgency, especially in Northern Samar and other parts of Eastern Visayas.
(SHYNNA MAE SESBREÑO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
