The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has approved disbursement of P212.5 million to relocate 768 informal settler families residing in North Harbor.
This will pave the way for North Harbor operator Manila North Harbour Port, Inc (MNHPI) to go full blast with the port’s modernization.
“The (PPA) Board also authorized the (PPA) general manager to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the NHA (National Housing Authority) regarding details of the resettlement,” PPA said in a report.
PPA Port District Manager of Manila and Northern Luzon Constante Fariñas said PPA is looking at Trece Martires in Cavite or San Pedro in Laguna as relocation site for the families from North Harbor’s east of Marcos Road.
“The areas in Bulacan are all filled up so Cavite and Laguna are our best possible options,” Fariñas said.
Under the PPA-NHA agreement, the housing agency will undertake removal of the informal settlers and provide each family with a 40-square meter lot with a 22-square meter housing unit.
The P276,700 per family allocation includes relocation cost and all other incidental and necessary expenses. Fariñas said PPA will also provide an allowance of between P200 and P500 per family a month for about a year.
“Only qualified structure owners shall be entitled to the housing unit while the others shall be extended financial assistance,” PPA said.
The port agency will advance to NHA 15% of the total funds after both parties sign the agreement. Another 35% will be released to the housing agency upon completion of land development and start of construction of the housing units. At the start of actual removal and relocation of the families, NHA will receive 30% and upon certification of the PPA North Harbor port manager of the completion of the removal of all informal settlers, the remaining 20%.
