MANILA - The National Housing Authority (NHA) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)-Region 2 on Wednesday turned over housing units to the families of rebel returnees in Sitio Casisiitan, Brgy. Minanga, San Mariano, Isabela.

A total of 48 housing units, with 28.4 square meters floor area and lot area of 70 square meters, were awarded to the families of former KAPATIRAN members who earlier returned to the fold of the law.

The turnover ceremony was part of the Peace-Building Program of the NHA, which aims to provide homes and hope to former rebels as well as to motivate other members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and other extremists to follow suit.

In his message, General Manager Joeben Tai said under the Build Better and More (BBM) Program, "the NHA will continue to collaborate with various government agencies and above all, with local government units, so that we can continue to deliver our mandate to the Filipino people."

"Let's all keep in mind that the NHA is an instrument that guides Filipino families to fulfill their dreams of having a new house and a new life," Tai added.

Present during the event were CAR Manager Ferdinand Sales; San Mariano, Isabela Mayor Edgar Talosig Go; 502nd Infantry Brigade Commander Danila Benavidez and Liga ng mga Barangay president Eduardo Viernes.

The national government has been extending genuine concern and services to improve the well-being of the former rebels and their families.

Last Monday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity held a sit-down meeting to properly coordinate in supporting the reintegration of the KAPATIRAN members into the society.

The agencies wanted to ensure that they have open communication lines in between to strengthen their partnership for the succeeding implementing years.

They envision a mechanism that will avail sustainability and stable progress of the grants and other subsidies being provided to rebel-returnees. (PNA)