50 Agta Families in Barangay San Juan Benefit from NHA Housing Project; Certificates of Eligibility awarded this October 2025

Santa Marcela, Apayao – A new chapter has begun for fifty (50) Indigenous People (IP) families in Santa Marcela as they received their Certificates of Eligibility for Lot, marking their official inclusion in the IPs Housing Project.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santa Marcela and the National Housing Authority (NHA) jointly hosted the turnover ceremony and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on October 21, 2025, in Barangay San Juan, underscoring their shared commitment to providing safe and sustainable housing for Indigenous communities.

According to the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), the project began construction in 2019 with a ₱20-million budget—₱16 million allocated for housing units and ₱4 million for the concreting of residential pathways and corridors. Each unit, costing over ₱300,000, was built with basic amenities and facilities.

Beyond providing shelter, the project aims to foster stronger, more united communities. The event highlighted the government’s continuing effort to uplift IP families and promote inclusive development where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In her message to the beneficiaries, Municipal Mayor Evelyn Martinez urged them to cherish the opportunity and maintain unity within their community. She emphasized that the project transcends tribal affiliations and is intended to benefit all residents, calling for collective care and responsibility.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Rolly U. Guiang expressed his gratitude to the NHA for its unwavering support and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration to bring more development projects to the municipality.

EnP. Charita Rasay, RSW, Officer-in-Charge of NHA Region II and CAR, provided an overview of the project’s objectives and implementation process. She encouraged the beneficiaries to take an active role in improving their homes and surroundings, reiterating NHA’s commitment to building cohesive, empowered communities—beyond simply providing houses and lots.

The event symbolized the strong partnership between the LGU of Santa Marcela and the NHA, united in their mission to deliver inclusive and sustainable housing solutions for Indigenous Peoples.