Government has started construction on housing units that will benefit various indigenous groups throughout the country, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said.

            Binay said the National Housing Authority (NHA) is currently constructing 1,365 housing units for the Aetas in Pampanga, Mangyans in Occidental Mindoro and Badjaos in Tawi-Tawi.

            “This particular housing project is intended to help improve the living conditions and ensure the well-being of our indigenous brothers and sisters,” Binay said.

            Binay said 208 units have already been completed, with Occidental Mindoro having the most number of units constructed so far at 100, followed by Tawi-Tawi with 92 and Pampanga, 16. The completed housing units are expected to be awarded to the target beneficiaries soon.

            Another 400 units are expected to be built for the indigenous people in the Municipalities of Banguingui and Panglima Estimo and Barangays Tulay and Pitogo, all in Sulu.

            “We are working double time to finalize the Memorandum of Agreement with these LGUs so we can start construction of the balance units this month, Binay stressed.

            The IP housing program, a pet project of the Vice President, is being implemented through the cooperation and coordination of the NHA and the local government units (LGUs).