Iloilo strengthened its role as a key partner of the national government as it hosted the official launch of “Handog ng Pangulo: Luntiang Bukas – Pamilyang May Lupa, Komunidad na Luntian, Bukas na Matatag” at the Iloilo River Esplanade on Friday, April 24.
Led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, the program covers “Lupa para sa Pamilya, Tahanan na Handa sa Klima, Luntian para sa Lahat, and Luntiang Kabuhayan,” in a unified, whole-of-government approach to building sustainable communities, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Also present were Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta, DENR Regional Executive Director Raul Lorilla, DHSUD officials, and other national and local leaders.
Underscoring Iloilo province’s participation, Governor Defensor joined in awarding Certificates of Entitlement to Lot Allocation (CELAs) to beneficiaries of the province’s Purok Resilience Program, a community-based housing initiative that promotes climate-adaptive and livelihood-sensitive settlement.
The launch featured the distribution of 820 land patents to beneficiaries across Western Visayas, along with seedlings and livelihood assistance under the program’s environmental and economic components. Additional support included housing loans awarded by Pag-IBIG Fund to beneficiaries of Kauswagan Residences, further expanding access to safe and affordable housing.
Other highlights included the distribution of rice aid to 100 beneficiaries from Iloilo City funded through the city's P72-million Local Government Support Fund, as well as the awarding of housing entitlements to families from Batiano Village under the city’s climate-resilient housing program.
Officials emphasized that “Luntiang Bukas” is a continuing commitment to provide secure land, dignified shelter, and sustainable livelihood.
Iloilo was selected to host this national rollout in recognition of its strong alignment with government programs on housing, environmental sustainability, and community development.
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