FRONTCOVER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2020 E- Balai 1st Quarter

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GM’S CORNER

UPBEATS

At this point in time

NHA holds consultation with Yolanda-hit regions stakeholders

Tacloban City accepts Yolanda permanent housing

Housing units for Kidapawan quake-displaced families

NHA Celebrates Women’s Month; Outlines Program on Women Empowerment

Rewards program for NHA Housing beneficiaries now underway

NHA Management issues guidelines to ensure employees’ safety & welfare amidst COVID-19 pandemic

NHA awards COHA to beneficiaries;breaks ground for school, Bataan LRB

NHA signs MOA, groundbreaksAta-Manobo IP Housing Project

Capacity-building program for the regional staff on the devolution of relocation and resettlement (RR) functions, levels of authority and responsibilities

Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr.Publisher

Atty. John-Christopher T. MahamudAtty. Ma. Magdalena T. De Leon - Siacon

Editorial Board

Editorial

Information Chief A Maricris G. Maninit

Writers Aser F. Gallon

Genes John V. GepilaJosephine B. LampasPides Aura J. Orata

Eunico Marco B. Renomeron

Graphics and Production

Acting Information Chief A Ma. Fatima T. Dela Cruz

Art, Design and Layout Justin Jalo C. AmbrosioKlarissa Bianca P. Flores

Ma. Lorna C. IcbanBenedicto B. Miran IV

Creative Production Gavin P. Corpuz

Art Lynmuel T. RoveloPatrick Miguel Nicolas L. Bagtas

PhotographyAlbert N. Babierra

Roy Allan Ver B. Pendon

Circulation Octavio T. Cabiling

Ferdinand R. GecomoRamel R. Gloria

Rodolfo A. Sumayang, Jr.

B A L A I

Transformation of a house: Before a house becomes a home, many layers of development must occur in perfecting its design and quality -- a painstaking process being undertaken by the creativity and blessed hands of man. This Blue Farm AFP/PNP Housing Project depicted in our cover, is one of the proud products of the Authority that aims to uplift the lives of the uniformed personnel of the country

ABOUT THE COVER

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In times like this, I am sure of things I should be proud of and grateful for. Allow me to be thankful to all our Managers and staff for their immense support to me and to the Authority despite our current situation. We feel sad and apprehensive of this COVID19 crisis but then again,

life and work must go on for NHA, from the national to the district level offices. We should not dampen our spirits because once this

pandemic is over, we shall continue to provide the basic services that we are expected to deliver - - quality housing and the basic facilities for our people, as well as the continued collection for our revenues.

While we are scaling down our operations, I would like to share that NHA is also trying to neutralize the impact of COVID-19 following the agreements with our Senior Managers, the Chair of our National Housing Authority Board, and all other Key Shelter Agencies. Accordingly, we released our moratorium policy to help our beneficiaries by not collecting from them for three months from March 16 until June 15, 2020. This is also our commitment to the calling of the Republic Act 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”

However, to make sure that our finances are also sustainable so that we will still be able to continue to operate, I am directing our Regional Managers and District Managers to shift and intensify the collection efforts to our Commercial-Industrial (CI) properties. We have already approved in our January 2020 board that we need to collect some Php3 billion revenues from our Commercial-Industrial spaces and lots which are occupied/leased/rented out by private individuals.

Lastly, I appeal to everyone to focus, to remain calm, and stay at home. We have already instituted some reforms, some systems by which our operations are properly carried out so that our commitments to our beneficiaries will continue.

Again, my thanks to everyone for such dedication to the Authority, and to our country.

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MARCELINO P. ESCALADA, JR.General Manager, NHA

GM’SCORNERAT THIS POINT IN TIME

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NHA HOLDS CONSULTATION WITH YOLANDA-HIT REGIONS STAKEHOLDERS By Aser F. Gallon & Eunico Marco Renomeron

Finding time to put solution and settle all of this is a great appreciation coming from my end. My interest to put closure to all of this is in the interest of the people we are all serving and our participation is very crucial.”

This was the pronouncement made by National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada Jr. in emphasizing to the local chief executives the need for their dedicated involvement to NHA’s efforts in bringing all full-grant housing projects within the Yolanda corridors into realization, reiterating, “We cannot afford to cross another mileage, or

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another president, without the closure of Yolanda. Dapat tapusin talaga under the Duterte administration.” The GM made these remarks during a two-day grassroots consultation with Regions IV-B, VI, VII and VIII stakeholders and other concerned agencies held in Cebu and Iloilo cities on February 12 and 13, 2020, respectively.

The event was also attended by Assistant General Manager Victor Balba; Region VI Manager Grace Guevarra, Region VII OIC Constancio Antiniero, Region VIII Manager Gavino Figuracion and, Region IV Manager, Ar. Susana Nonato who presented the project status and accomplishment reports of their respective offices. The activity did not only focus on addressing the issues and concerns raised by the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of Yolanda Permanent Housing, but also the proper resolutions in solving them.

Among the issues raised were the long-delayed implementation of the housing projects in some typhoon-devasted areas, no power and water connections in sites, and other concerns.

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By Aser F. Gallon

HOUSING UNITS FOR KIDAPAWAN QUAKE-DISPLACED FAMILIES

In four months and eight days, meron na tayong mga bahay dito sa Ilomavis kaya nagpapasalamat tayo sa major implementor nito -- ang NHA, sa pamumuno ni GM Escalada -- dahil sa agarang pagtulong sa mga naapektuhan ng lindol.”

Kidapawan Mayor Joseph Evangelista said this after the National Housing Authority (NHA) initially turned over permanent houses to families displaced by series of strong earthquakes that jolted Cotabato province in October 2019, hailing the Authority for its immediate action in providing housing aid.

GM Marcelino P. Escalada Jr. spearheaded the ceremony, along with Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, and NHA-12 Manager Engr. Erasme G. Madlos, among others, on February 24, 2020, which saw quake-affected residents of Brgy. Ilomavis and nearby barangays in Kidapawan City received the Certificate of Award for the housing units.

During the event, the GM emphasized the commitment of NHA, under the Duterte administration, to victims of calamity that all possible housing assistance would be extended for them to recover from their unfortunate situation. Thus the Authority’s quick response to the resettlement need of Kidapawan’s quake victims.

“Ipinaparating namin sa inyo ang commitment namin ni Sec. Ed (Del Rosario) at ni President Rody Duterte na pagtulong para sa rehabilitasyon at recovery ng mga nabiktima ng lindol… At ibinibigay ‘yan (houses) sa inyo ng Presidente nang libre,” the GM said.

Meanwhile, GM Escalada, on the same day, made a site visit, together with NHA-11 Manager Engr. Zenaida Cabiles and Sec. del Rosario, on another permanent housing project, intended also for earthquake-displaced families at Brgy. Malawanit, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

TACLOBAN CITY ACCEPTS YOLANDA PERMANENT HOUSING

By: Eunico Marco B. Renomeron

An agreement to turn over the Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects was forged between the National Housing Authority (NHA), and the Local Government of Tacloban City in a Ceremonial Turnover held at the USAID Training Center,

Tacloban City Hall, last March 10, 2020.

The ceremonial turnover is considered to be a landmark event since Tacloban City was the first local government unit (LGU) in Region VIII to accept the NHA-produced housing projects intended for those displaced by Typhoon Yolanda back in 2013. It has been the initiative of General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr., as a way to strengthen the relationship between the national government and the local government. By turning over accomplished housing projects to their respective local governments, this would ease the latter in undergoing maintenance and repair works since the housing projects are now under their administration.

Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez expressed his support to this initiative by stating that: “We cannot solve the problem if we do not have jurisdiction over it.” Mayor Romualdez is hoping that other LGUs will follow suit and continue this endeavor.

A total of six NHA Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects are now under the jurisdiction of the City Government of Tacloban. These are Greendale Residences, Villa Diana, New Hope Village, Villa Sofia, and Kawayan Ville, Phases 2&3.

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NHA MANAGEMENT ISSUES GUIDELINES TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY &

WELFARE AMIDST COVID19 PANDEMICBy: Maricris G. Maninit

Health, safety, and welfare of its employees remain the topmost priority and concern of the National Housing Authority (NHA) Management amidst the Corona Virus Disease (COVID19) Pandemic.

In response to the President’s declaration of the State of Calamity and on-going Enhanced Community Quarantine and Social Distancing implemented all over Luzon, the NHA Management has instituted measures to manage COVID19 that affects working schemes, not only in the Authority but in all other National Government Agencies.

NHA Assistant General Manager Engr. Victor C. Balba, in consultation with the Authority’s key officials, has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-026 prescribing the Interim Guidelines on the Alternative Work Arrangement (AWA) not only to ensure continuous public service delivery but more importantly, to give precedence to the safety of its officials and employees.

The AWA shall be implemented for the duration of the State of Calamity and Enhanced Community Quarantine set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Infectious Disease effective March 16 to April 14, 2020.

Under NHA MC 2020-026, all NHA officials and employees in the NCR and Regional Offices I to V shall employ the work from home (WFH) arrangement while officers and staff in Regional Offices VI to XIII shall implement skeletal workforce and/or work from home depending on the conditions in said areas.

The said guidelines also ensure payment of salaries and wages of all NHA officials and employees including the contract of service personnel exempting them from the “no work, no pay” policy during the said period which complies with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Announcement Nos. 12 and 13 s 2020 and Commission on Audit (COA) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Joint Circular No. 1 s 2020.

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REWARDS PROGRAM FOR NHA HOUSING BENEFICIARIES NOW UNDERWAY

By: Maricris G. Maninit

Providing additional incentives for its housing beneficiaries is now the goal of the National Housing Authority (NHA) as it is set to implement its Beneficiary Rewards ID System (BRIS) Program.

The BRIS Program, according to NHA Estate Management Department Manager Ana V. Baul is a new window aimed at providing additional benefits for the housing beneficiaries in the form of a rewards system. This comes through product patronage of their neighborhood buying station which shall be organized in partnership with the community leaders. Aside from helping its beneficiaries, Ms. Baul said, that the BRIS program is also intended to enhance the sales and collection performance of the NHA projects through this enhanced partnership and use of the Beneficiary Profile System (BPS).

Under the program, she explained, the BPS shall be the central database that can be accessed nationwide to support query, report generation, and data analysis. The generated data shall be made available for use by concerned departments and operating units in enhancing existing programs or creating new programs for the beneficiaries.

“With the BPS being used in the BRIS program and its linkage to the NHA- Geographic Information System (GIS), the story of NHAs inventory is literally within the fingertips of the Managers and concerned staff wherever they are because of its maximum accessibility. It is hoped that through this system, we shall be able to promptly and properly address the majority of the challenges which each project presents,” Ms. Baul said.

The link to the Geographic Information System (GIS) of NHA allows Managers to view spatial or geographic data of NHA projects nationwide using maps as geographic containers.

Meanwhile, the NHA-BRIS Program is a joint effort among EMD, COSDD, RDSD, CSSD, and Accounting Department. Its first phase involves the occupancy verification of all residential lots/units and data banking which have been targeted for completion this year.

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NHA AWARDS COHA TO BENEFICIARIES, BREAKS GROUND FOR SCHOOL,

BATAAN LRBBy: Aser F. Gallon

Nagagalak kami sa gobyerno dahil kami’y nabigyan ng relokasyon sa magandang proyektong ito, at sa NHA dahil kami po ang napili nila na pagawaan ng pabahay.”

An excited Lorna Saladas, 58, mother of four, who used to dwell for 30 years in the coastal area of Sitio Gatchalian, announced after receiving a Certificate of Housing Allocation (COHA) from the National Housing Authority, represented by NHA-III Regional Manager Engr. Araceli Natino, on February 7, 2020.

“Sa totoo lang po, 30 years na po kaming nakatira sa tabing-dagat at ngayon lang kami magkakaroon ng bahay na ganito kaganda. Kaya napakasaya po namin,” added Saladas, who now owns a unit at the Mariveles Heights Resettlement Project located in Brgy. Cabcaben, Mariveles, Bataan.

Grateful as Saladas was Jennifer Peran, a homeowners’ association official, who delightedly thanked NHA for the project. “Kami po’y nagpapasalamat sa NHA at sa mga opisyales ng gobyerno dahil nagkaroon ng housing project dito sa Mariveles. Hindi na kami mag-aalala sa panahon ng tag-ulan, kung may bagyo, dahil meron na kaming matatawag na sariling bahay na malayo sa dagat at ligtas.”

RM Natino, who was joined at the event by Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia, Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia, Mayor Jocelyn Castaneda, and other provincial and local officials, said in her brief talk that she was impressed with the hands-on participation and support being displayed by the provincial and local governments in

NHA SIGNS MOA, GROUNDBREAKS ATA-MANOBO IP HOUSING PROJECT

By: Pides Aura J. Orata

Ata-Manobo, a group of Indigenous Peoples at Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, finds comfort in knowing that soon they can occupy their new homes within their ancestral domain.

With the arrival of government assistance, Talaingod, a former NPA-controlled community, now welcomes more government development programs.

every housing project in the province. “Personally, ako ay natutuwa sa mga planong pabahay dito (ng LGU) dahil hindi lang tirahan para sa mga tao ang gusto nila, kundi kasama na ang improvement ng quality of life nila.”

Simultaneous with the awarding ceremony were the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Authority, LGU, power and water utility providers, and the groundbreaking of a three-storey, 15-classroom building at the resettlement site.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Natino, representing NHA GM Marcelino P. Escalada Jr., together with Gov. Garcia, Mayor Francis Anthony Garcia and other local officials, spearheaded another groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremonies for the six three-storey buildings Balanga City Low-Rise Housing Project in Brgy. Tenejero, Balanga City, Bataan, intended for coastal residents of Brgys. Talisay and Bagumbayan.

Gov. Albert, on the other hand, could not hide his appreciation on NHA’s action to the province’s housing plans: “Nagpapasalamat ako sa NHA, sa pamumuno ni GM Escalada, sa liderato ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, dahil sa full support sila sa housing project dito sa lalawigan ng Bataan”.

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January 27, 2020 marks a momentous day for these mountain dwellers since National Government Agencies, through the initiative of the National Housing Authority General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony, Memorandum Signing and cheque turnover to the Local Government of Talaingod, Davao del Norte represented by Governor Edwin Jubahib, Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez, Municipal Mayor Jonnie Libayao with Ata-Manobo elder Datu Guibang Apuga and Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu.

The NHA has turned over a total of Php 60 Million (Php 20 Million for each project) funding assistance for the construction of housing units.

On the other hand, the provincial government of Davao del Norte and the Municipal Government of Talaingod shall undertake the land development project and the provision of power and water. The Ata-Manobo has contributed the land for the project site wherein a total of 300 housing units are expected to rise in Sitio Nasilaban, Sitio Mesolong and Sitio Gatong, all in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

This project was also made possible through the initiatives of the Ata-Manobo Community in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

It is hoped that through the IP Housing Program in Talaingod, community dwellers will feel the empowering support and care of the government to them. “The government programs we have for our IP brothers and sisters are not developed using a blanket approach. These programs were created to be considerate to the needs of the community,” Undersecretary Mapagu said.

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CAPACITY-BUILDING PROGRAM FOR THE REGIONAL STAFF ON THE DEVOLUTION OF RELOCATION AND

RESETTLEMENT(RR) FUNCTIONS, LEVELS OF AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

By: RDSD

Pursuant to GCG Memorandum Order No. 2016-12 dated 26 August 2016, “the Restructuring Plan of NHA is expected to improve service delivery, particularly in the regions in terms of area coverage, production, monitoring, and

socio-economic development”.

With the strategic shift of strengthening regional operations, NHA Board Resolution No. 6425 dated 03 October 2018 and Memorandum Circular No. 2019-014 dated 11 June 2019 (Guidelines on the Devolution of Relocation and Resettlement (RR) Functions, Levels of Authority and Responsibilities),

approved among others, the devolution of select RDSD functions to the Regional Office. The said Restructuring Plan provided for new resettlement plantilla positions to complement other personnel compromising the Program Staff who will be under the direct supervision of the Regional Manager.

On this context and in support of corporate learning and development, RDSD conducted a series of three (3)-day Capacity Building Program for ten (10) batches. Its pilot implementation was held in Region XI Office in Davao City on February 20 – 22, 2019. The program was attended by 219 (64%) women and 121 (36%) men or a total of 340 attendees from February 2019 to January 2020.

For the past decades, Relocation and Resettlement have been the staple program of the NHA, hence, this learning and development activity was targeted to mainstream all the regional offices’ staff in the NHA RR Framework. As a result, the 10 batches were attended by 15 regional managers, 29 district managers, 5 program managers, 22 regional RD staff, 101 CSS staff, 57 EM staff, 77 technical staff, 27 finance & administrative staff, 4 chief corporate attorneys, and 3 others (Project Evaluation Officer 1 and Industrial Relations Assistant A).

The program aimed to deepen the knowledge and strengthen the capacity of the regional RD staff to effectively execute the RR core processes. Follow-up trainings and technical assistance shall be provided by RDSD to regional RD staff to ensure continuous development, resulting in quality delivery of RR services.

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As the world celebrates Women’s Month, the National Housing Authority (NHA) has outlined several programs and projects promoting Women Empowerment.

General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr, has approved the NHA’s active participation in the celebration of the International Women’s Month this March, as well as, with all other mandated observance on Women for this year 2020.

Photo Exhibit. To present NHA women who were given recognition by other institutions and award giving bodies in the performance and accomplishment of their work-related tasks and functions.

Production and Printing of Advocacy Streamers. A venue to promote NHA’s Gender and Development (GAD) projects and programs with the theme “We Make Change for Women” and “Anti Violence Against Women”.

Production and Printing of Information Educational & Communication (IEC) Materials. A means to showcase GAD in NHA, GAD Advocates, Children, Women, and Elderly, and to display GAD information, activities and events.

Advocacy Fun Run. To be participated by NHA GAD Advocates (both men and women) as they call for continued Women Empowerment.

NHA CELEBRATES WOMEN’S MONTH…

OUTLINES PROGRAM ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Forum/Seminar/Workshop on Sexual Harassment. To promote awareness of the incidence and prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Art Workshop. To bring out one’s creativity and craftsmanship.

SerbisyoKayJuana. Activities that offer and provides free services to women, children, and the elderly.

UPBEATS

By: Maricris G. Maninit & Josephine B. Lampas

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As a kick-off activity, the NHA joined all other government agencies from the national and local, state universities and colleges, and other stakeholders in the celebration of the International Women’s Day last March 8, 2020.

150 NHA officials and employees participated in the LTFRB-NCR sponsored Walkathon wherein more than 1,000 individuals marched from the LTFRB office in Timog, Quezon City to Quezon City Memorial Circle to demonstrate equality among men and women with the slogan “Walk for Fun, We Walk as One”.

NHA contingents carried streamer emphasizing its call for Women Empowerment, Gender Sensitivity, and Gender Responsiveness.

This activity is in line with the Philippine Commission for Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2 which provides a general guide for the stakeholders for the National Women’s Month Celebration in March 2020.

• Presidential Proclamation No. 224 s 1988: • 1st Week of March as Women’s Week • March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day

• Presidential Proclamation No. 227 s 1988: • Observance of March as Women’s Role in History Month

• Republic Act 6969 • Declaring March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day

• Presidential Proclamation No. 759 s 1996: • Every 4th of Week of March as the Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment lof the Girl Child Week

• Presidential Proclamation No. 744 s 2004: • Declaring last Monday of March as Women with Disabilities Day

Meanwhile, NHA has complied with the directives issued by the PCW namely: the Hanging of the 2020 National Women’s Month Celebration official streamers in its main and regional offices; the use of all-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang Video during its flag-raising ceremony, Women’s Month Online Advocacy, and Purple Fridays Advocacy.

UPBEATS

BALAI is a quarterly corporate publication of the National Housing Authority produced by the

Information Division, Corporate Planning Department with Editorial Office at the 2nd floor, Diliman, Quezon

City, with telefax no. 8-7900-800 local 240 and e-mail address infodivnha@yahoo.com. The Editorial Staff reserves the right to edit articles submitted for

application