“Syempre, para sakin, magara na itong bahay kasi doon sa amin sa bundok, kahit pagawa ka ng CR ay mahirapan man din kami,” Eddie, a former rebel (FR) expressed upon seeing for the first time his new home at Freedom Residences.

In a ceremony held July 16, 2019 at Freedom Residences, Brgy. Cuambogan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Pres. Duterte personally awarded Certificate of Allocation to four (4) FRs representing the first batch of 34 awardees. The Authority is only awaiting for the 26 remaining FR beneficiaries to be formally turned over by the Task Force Balik-Loob for the 60 ready-for -occupancy units. The FRs were surrenderees from Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.

Pres. Duterte in his message encouraged the FRs to invite their comrades in the mountains to surrender during his term, “In the spirit of peace and solidarity, I look forward to having you as partners in creating a better and brighter future for all Filipinos,” he said.

Grateful for the unexpected blessing, FR Linda shared, “Nagpapasalamat din kami sa NHA na binigyan kami ng pagkakataon na makatira sa ganitong bahay at sa iba pang ahensyang tumutulong sa amin. Tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbabagong buhay namin kasama ang aming pamilya.”

The National Housing Authority through the leadership of its General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada Jr. committed to provide Php 450,000.00 worth of housing assistance for qualified surrenderees. For rebel returnees with existing housing units, a Php 100,000.00 can be availed for repairs, rehabilitation or housing improvement. The NHA is a member-agency in the implementation of the Task Force Balik-Loob’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP) which aims to centralize all government efforts for the reintegration of former rebels.