Housing project for soldiers launched

MANILA, Philippines - A 300-hectare housing project for soldiers was launched yesterday in Bulacan. It is expected to benefit more than 7,000 military personnel.

Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council head Noli de Castro, Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Delfin Bangit led the groundbreaking rites of the project in San Miguel, Bulacan.

The project is in line with Malacañang Executive Order No. 840, which sets aside 300 hectares of state property for a housing project for AFP personnel.

“The 300-hectare AFP property in San Miguel, Bulacan stands to benefit 7,652 AFP personnel who are in active service from Oct. 23, 2009, the date of the signing of the executive order,” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a statement.

The property will be distributed to 2,767 military officers at 300 square meters each and 4,885 enlisted personnel at 150 square meters each.

In an interview, Bangit said the government will also allot 300 hectares each for housing projects for policemen, teachers and other state employees.

Bangit said the funding for the development of the property will come from savings and other financial resources to be tapped by the AFP.

The AFP housing board will determine those who will benefit from the project.