100 housing units awarded to soldiers

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 100 housing units have been awarded to soldiers and their families in line with a project that seeks to provide affordable houses to military personnel.

Army spokesman Maj. Ronald Alcudia said the housing units under the Kalinga sa Kawal First Scout Ranger Regiment project were turned over to the beneficiaries last Friday in a ceremony in Barangay Calumpang, San Miguel, Bulacan.

The giving of keys and certificates of ownership to the soldiers was led by Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, Special Operations Command chief Maj. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, and First Scout Ranger Regiment Commander Brig. Gen. Noel Coballes.

“This project sought to provide affordable housing units to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to further boost the morale of our soldiers to become more dedicated, effective and focused in doing their mission in securing the people,” Alcudia said in a statement. 

Launched in 2005, the Kalinga sa Kawal housing project grants each beneficiary a 100-square meter lot and a house that will be shouldered through a 50-50 scheme shared by donors and the military personnel.

The houses may be supported through a donation from institutions like the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association, Inc. Military personnel may give their share through financial institutions accredited by the armed forces.

The Kalinga sa Kawal project was implemented through an agreement signed by the Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc., Office of Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., and Office of Former Secretary Luis P. Lorenzo Jr.