Low-cost houses unveiled in Valenzuela

The first batch of low-cost houses built under the Habitat for Humanity Program (HFHP) for qualified beneficiaries has been unveiled by Valenzuela Rep. Magtangol "Magi" Gunigundo I in Karuhatan, Valenzuela.

Gunigundo was assisted by First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo, his son Diosdado "Dato" Arroyo and Housing Secretary Mike Defensor in turning over six completed units to beneficiaries during house dedication ceremonies at the Polo Transmitting Compound in Barangay Karuhatan over the weekend.

The Valenzuela lawmaker has been working closely with HFHP for the success of its Family Christmas Build (FCB) 2002 program in the city. Gunigudo and a group of volunteers donated some 3,869 square meters for the HFHP.

The six completed units belong to the first batch 19 houses to be given to needy employes of the Telecommunication Office (Telof) under a "pro-profit, no-interest" amortization plan.

Aside from initiating the project, Gunigundo also shelled out some P1.5-million from his local housing fund for road pavement, water supply, sewerage and drainage of the housing site.

He also helped the HFHP in enlisting volunteers and raising P135,000 in donations from businessmen, private individuals and organizations in the city.

Gunigundo expressed his gratitude to the Greater Metro Manila HFHP, National Housing Authority, the Rotary Club Valenzuela, Department of Health (DOH), DOTC-Telof, Polo Transmitting Community Development Cooperative and the TRUTH Foundation under Adele Gunigundo, donors and volunteers for making the project a reality. – Jerry Botial