The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has committed 50 units for the “Purok Resilience” village, a socialized housing project, of the provincial government here.

The village will cater to informal settler families who will be affected by the proposed Government Center Project of the provincial government in the municipality of Sta. Barbara.

On Monday, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. presented the project to DHSUD Regional Director for Western Visayas Eva Marie Marfil and Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer Allan Delariman at the provincial capitol.

They discussed possible plans for the project, including how DHSUD could help provide housing for informal settlers in the area.

“For the first phase, we go for Purok Resilience. We are ready to do that,” said Defensor in a media interview.

He said they will be signing the memorandum of agreement to immediately commence with the construction works.

The commitment of an initial 50 units was secured by Defensor Jr. during his visit to DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling early this month.

Defensor said the housing project will be built in a lot purchased by the provincial government in Barangay Agusipan, also in Sta. Barbara.

“Because we have additional space there, we will go back to Secretary Aliling and seek additional help for other informal settlers for another project that we will partner with DHSUD. Maybe we can go vertical,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the Governor Center Project is situated in an over 10-hectare property of the provincial government.

It is expected to become a growth area for Iloilo, serving as a venue for a facility like a convention center or sports arena with a commercial component. (PNA)