The many colors of Christmas. This grandest day - Christmas comes but once a year. But the colors that they bring mean peace, love, joy and goodwill to the lives of the Filipinos... Let us make God’s gift this Christmas a colorful one... (Photo by Gavin P. Corpuz)

Christmas is upon us once more! The excitement and joy once again fill the air in preparation for this much-awaited occasion. Let us again be reminded of the reason for this season, and that is the GRANDEST OF ALL, despite its humble beginning. . . . when the Christ Child was born in a lowly manger in a little town in Bethlehem which heralded the salvation of mankind.

We cannot thank the Lord enough for He is our wonderful counselor, Prince of Peace and our great COMFORTER. This relationship with our LORD can be made visible if we continue to thank HIM with a grateful heart for the attributions and blessings HE so generously bestowed on us.

The Belen, a traditional Christmas decoration, is a reminder that truly represents the meaning of Christmas: the Holy Family in a stable with Jesus lying in a manger and with people from all walks of life paying tribute for His being born.

The Holy Family bears close affinity with the Filipino family. While the Holy family sought shelter to have the distinct honor of delivering the Savior to the world, the Filipino family has been seeking shelter to nurture the respective members of their brood to enable them to become productive members of society. Therefore, as

Christmas and the Filipino Family

FROILAN R. KAMPITAN Assistant General Manager

ATTY. SINFOROSO R. PAGUNSAN General Manager

NHA Christmas at 40As Christmas day is coming, and before this year ends, let me thank

my fellow NHA employees in helping “build back better” the calamity stricken communities in our country.We have been doing this not so much because we are mandated to do so,

but because we have the hearts of real public servants for our countrymen.In retrospect, we had many struggles this year but we have become

stronger as a national agency because of such challenges.It is the season of Christmas. Let us celebrate not only as a government

institution, but as one family. We get strength and inspiration from one another to work harder and better. This is reflected in our theme, “Sama-sama: Paskong Kay Saya Sa Puso ng Bawat Isa”.Merry Christmas to one and all!

one of the key officers of the NHA, and with the able support from the NHA community, I am honored of NHA’s role of shelter provision to the Filipino in need of homes and a new beginning. It is like providing shelter to the Holy Family themselves. With the many challenges being faced by

the NHA at present such as climate change, natural and man-made disasters and others, I can say that I am pleased to be part of this organization where we extend housing to our underprivileged, homeless brothers and sisters can be regarded as highly spiritual and meaningful undertaking. We have already done so much, but much work remains. To all my NHA Family, may this Christmas

be a season of peace, joy, hope, and love and may the New Year bring us all a renewed and God-centered meaning as public servants. Isaiah 9:6 for to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and

the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty god, everlasting father, and prince of peace.

VOL. 15 NO.4 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OCT. - DEC. 2015

2 KANLUNGAN

The government infrastructure projects in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013 are on track. With the continuous release of funds for the construction of permanent shelters for Typhoon Yolanda families, the National Housing Authority (NHA) is able to deliver a total of 12,635 ready for occupancy housing units and 8,820 more housing units to be completed before the end of 2015.

According to Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chair Atty. Chito M. Cruz, “To better respond to the housing needs of the calamity victims, particularly those affected by Typhoon Yolanda, NHA, with the help of DPWH, has developed standard disaster-resilient housing designed to withstand typhoon winds of 250kph. This is in compliance with the instruction of President Aquino to Build Back Better communities for our beneficiaries.”

The said housing units constructed by the NHA is in line with the build back better principle. After the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, housing needs for the Visayas’ 14 provinces in the six (6) regions reached 205,128 housing units, with funding requirement of Php 61.252 Billion.

As of 30 October 2015, the total fund released for the resettlement site project was Php 26.996 Billion to fund 92,554 housing units. Of these units, 17,641units have been completed.

The NHA implemented housing projects are complete with community facilities and water and power lines. For Yolanda housing sites, the NHA has allocated space for school buildings, tricycle terminals, police outpost, Materials Recovery

Yolanda Housing Construction on Track: NHA

NEWS

Facility (MRF), health center and covered basketball court cum multi-purpose center. Housing units will have individual septic tanks/vault, and has a minimum lot size of 40 square meters, while loftable row house will measure 22 square meters to follow the loftable resilient housing design.

Amidst the immediate needs for

New Permanent Shelters for Yolanda Survivors in Villa Diana, Brgy. New Kawayan, Tacloban City. (Photo courtesy of Visayas AMO)

Three days before the two-year mark of the onslaught of the Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: “Haiyan”) in the Eastern Visayas region which left 14 provinces devastated in November 08, 2013, a joint press briefing was conducted for the updates and status of the Yolanda Rehabilitation Program on November 5, 2015. This was initiated by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) where the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR), originally tasked to spearhead the Yolanda Rehabilitation Program, was transferred.

The media briefing was attended by the different agencies forming the five (5) clusters of the Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (CRRP). The briefing focused on the Resettlement Cluster’s status of constructions of the permanent shelter for the survivors living in the typhoon-hit areas. Prior the media briefing, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairperson Atty. Chito M. Cruz said during the NHA 40th Anniversary Gawad Parangal Night on October 15, 2015 that the NHA, with the help of DPWH, has developed standard disaster-resilient housing designed to withstand typhoon winds of 250kph. This is in compliance with the instruction of President Benigno S. Aquino III to Build Back Better communities for the

beneficiaries.Atty. Cruz reported that after the

Typhoon Yolanda ravaged the Eastern Visayas region, the housing needs for the 14 provinces in the six (6) affected regions reached 205,128 housing units, with a total funding requirement of Php 61.252 Billion. This will be developed in 153 sites with 17,641 substantially completed housing units as of the end of October 2015. The Chairperson also reported that as of October 30, 2015, a total of Php 26.996 Billion was already released to the NHA to fund the 92,554 housing units targeted to be finished by December 2016.

Meanwhile, during the Kapihan sa Media ng Bayan forum the following day, November 6, 2015 at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Building, NHA GM Atty. Sinforoso R. Pagunsan mentioned the major challenges faced by the NHA in implementing the housing component of the Yolanda Rehabilitation. GM Pagunsan explained that the lack of suitable lots is one of the toughest challenges the Authority is facing, since the NHA has to make sure that these lots are located in safe zones and are away from shores and fault lines. Nevertheless, the General Manager, together with Department of Budget and Management Secretary, Florencio “Butch” Abad assured everyone that the construction of the permanent shelters in the typhoon-stricken provinces are on-track.

Gov’t updates Media on Yolanda Rehab Efforts

permanent shelter for typhoon survivors, the government,especially the NHA is faced with major challenges in implementing the housing component for the Yolanda rehabilitation. NHA General Manager Atty. Sinforoso R. Pagunsan explained, “The lack of available lands in safe zones, legal concerns on titling properties, issuances of permits/clearances, availability of raw materials and inclement weather were the hindering factors we had to face in all 14 provinces.”

Typhoon Yolanda (International name: “Haiyan”) ravaged the Visayas Region with maximum sustained winds of 315 kph, displaced 60,000 families and damaged approximately Php 89,598,068,634.88-worth of infrastructures, social, productive, and cross-sectoral resources.

Tapilon Elementary students enjoy the comfort of their new classrooms. Hanging vegetable garden (below) beautify and adds color to the campus. (Photos courtesy of NEDA)

Two years after Typhoon Yolanda, Tapilon Central School in Daanbantayan, Cebu is now a different school from the crumbling century-old school that was almost wiped out by the strongest typhoon to ever hit land.

It now boasts of eight new climate-resilient classrooms courtesy of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), which rehabilitated and upgraded three and five classrooms, respectively. The classrooms have been rebuilt to be strong enough to withstand a 250-kilometer per hour wind velocity. The school is now also not as flood-prone as it was before, thanks to the project by the Parents-Teachers’ Association (PTA) to elevate the school grounds. Moreover, the school community underwent a disaster preparedness training courtesy of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).

Post-Yolanda, water and sanitation were greatly improved with new toilets which have faucets in all the 13 new classrooms.

In addition to the eight classrooms already mentioned, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Cebu’s electric cooperative Acebeco sponsored the rehabilitation of five other classrooms (discussions are ongoing for two new buildings as well). “Before, the toilets didn’t even have faucets,” the teachers said. The PTA also donated a deep well to make sure the school has its own water supply.

The school’s perimeter walls are now brightly painted old rose pink and decorated with rows of hanging vegetable plants such as alugbati and camote tops. There are also small patches of vegetable gardens inside piles of rubber tires in the school’s front yard.

“The school now looks better with bright colors. The PTA undertook beautification to revive the children’s interest in their schooling,” said Grade 1 teacher Milagros Petallo.

This is how they recall the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda: “Pupunta ka sa school, walang school. Uuwi ka sa bahay, walang bahay. Gusto mong magklase sa ilalim ng

punongkahoy, walang punongkahoy. (You go to school and there’s no school. You go home and the house is gone. You want to hold a class under a tree, but there’s no tree.) ”

For a long time, everybody was in deep shock. The students understandably preferred the streets over the makeshift tent classrooms they had because out there, they could get their hands on relief goods being distributed by the government and concerned organizations. Besides, the classrooms were not even offering real lessons anymore, but really just served more as day care centers for traumatized children for a while. There were only half-

Old School Gets a New Lease on Life After Yolanda

continued next page

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2015 3

The NHA ISO core team is on its way of completing ISO report on readiness.

The National Housing Authority, pursuant to the NHA Board’s instructions in a meeting held on October 09, 2015 created a Task Team on Power and Water Connections in NHA Projects.

The Team will be headed by Project Operation Support Services Office (POSSO) Manager Engr. Ma. Otelia F. Eclavea. Members of the team are: Ar. Ma. Benita O. Regala, Housing Technology Development Office (HTDO) Manager, Ar. Marissa B. Maniquis, Corporate Planning Office (CPO) Manager, and the Group Managers from the Area Management Offices (AMOs), namely, Engr. Victor C. Balba, National Capital Region (NCR), Engr. Felicisimo F. Lazarte Jr. (NCL), Ar. Susana V. Nonato (SLB), Ms. Lorna M. Seraspe (VMO), and Ar. Ma. Alma T. Valenciano (MMO). NHA Chief of Staff Atty. Rudolph S. Capuchino and Consultant Ms. Gina T. Sanchez will also serve as Observers for the Team.

The Task Team will be responsible for

NHA Creates Power, Water Task Team

The National Housing Authority, on November 12, 2015 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rotary Club of Metro West Triangle, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc. (UERMMMCI), and the Rodriguez, Rizal LGU, adopting the Southville 8 Resettlement Project in Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriquez, Rizal under the “Adopt a Community Project of NHA.”

The MOU signing was a prelude to the renewal of the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the said parties and will be used by the Rotary Club of Metro West Triangle as supporting document for their fund-raising activities on programs and services on basic education, health and nutrition, sanitation, environmental protection, livelihood, peace and order, and utilities.

Prior this, an assessment session

MOU inked; Southville 8 Adoptedamong the parties was facilitated by the Community Relations and Information Operations Department (CRIOD) on September 22, 2015 where the parties unanimously agreed to renew the existing MOA for another three (3) years. It was also agreed that after the MOU signing, a strategic planning for 2016-2018 projects and activities shall be conducted.

The MOU was signed by NHA General Manager Atty. Sinforoso R. Pagunsan, Dr. Samuel Vincent Yrastorza of the Rotary Club of West Triangle, UERMMMCI President Dr. Romeo A. Divinagracia, and Mayor Cecilio Hernandez of Rodriguez, Rizal, in the presence of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairperson Atty. Chito M. Cruz, Rotary District 3780 Governor Raynaldo David, and some representatives from UERMMMCI and Rodriguez LGU.

day instead of whole-day classes due to lack of classrooms and other operational difficulties. And for almost a year, there would be no classes everytime it rained.

In early 2014, the Department of Education undertook stress debriefing for teachers and students, with the debriefing for students taking a whole month. Several Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) including BASA Pilipinas, Bixbee and PBSP also distributed backpacks and school supplies to the students.

“The students are doing good now. They come to school regularly. Their performance are also back to the pre-Yolanda level, in general. However, I noticed that the best performers before Yolanda happened did not quite go back to their previous level of performance before Yolanda. I hope that in time that will happen,” said Petallo.

Carmel Masucol, 33, mother of five students of the school, shared that the grades of her children suffered in the immediate aftermath of Yolanda. The same also happened while the school was undergoing construction in June 2014, but that their grades have since improved.

Indeed, many parents observed that since classes started in June 2015, with the new and improved classrooms, their children’s grades have significantly improved compared to the previous year’s grades.

It certainly helped that in addition to the improved school infrastructure, the students of Tapilon Central School are now enjoying their own textbooks and learning materials, with a ratio of 1:1 except for Grade 3 learning materials and

Social Studies textbooks, unlike in the old days when this was far from the case. To date, DepEd has distributed 3,780,661 textbooks and learning materials and 339,745 learning kits to the Yolanda-affected schools.

“Pre-Yolanda, we used to reproduce learning materials for students ourselves, even paying for this out of our own pockets,” Grade 5 teacher Limwel Rodrigo said.

Grade 3 teacher Rommel Dublin attended Tapilon Elementary School himself, and before him, his father did so as well. This is also true for some of his fellow teachers. The community is strongly connected with the school that has been there for several generations of local families and, before Yolanda, had weathered many storms. The few classrooms that survived Yolanda naturally served as evacuation centers for the teachers who lost their houses during the crisis.

“There are actually more organizations that were interested and willing to donate buildings to the school but alas, there is no more space,” Dublin said.

Thanks to the private sector, government, and the community working together and complementing each other’s efforts, the teachers and students of Tapilon Central School are now enjoying a much improved learning environment, even better than its pre-Yolanda situation. The abundance of goodwill they received has certainly helped the teachers and students of this school move past the trauma from Typhoon Yolanda. Source: http://yolanda.neda.gov.ph

tracking the progress of installation of water and power supplies in identified NHA projects. They shall also facilitate immediate resolution of issues which delay installation of power and water connections, and submit to Management regular monthly reports on the status of power and water installation. Also, other instructions from the Board Meeting included the creation of a template to determine what identified projects are beyond the set standards, establishment of a specific timeline in the installation of power and water supplies, and the inclusion of representatives from Meralco and local water suppliers in the meetings being conducted among NHA, Gabriela, Anakpawis, and Kadamay.

Further, the POSSO was tasked to provide secretariat support to the Task Team, and assistance in the preparation of the necessary documents, monitoring agreements, and preparation of status reports for submission to the Management.

from page 2... Old School Gets a New Life After Yolanda

We are ISO Ready

The NHA ISO Core Team, headed by Quality Management Representative (QMR) AGM Froilan R. Kampitan and Deputy Quality Management Representative and Corporate Operations and Systems Office (COSO) Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Renato Tengco are now beefing up the documentation requirements for the ISO report on readiness of the Authority. As part of the said requirements, the team conducted Internal Quality Audit (IQA) in all the Departments and Area Management Offices (AMOs) at the NHA Main Office earlier this November 2015.

Deputy QMR Mr. Renato Tengco reported that as of November, the team was able to accomplish six (6) out of the 10 lined-up activities from the roadmap, and that the remaining four (4) activities are targeted for completion before the year ends. The Core Team also conducted training courses in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and secured Management approval for the Quality Policy, the Process Map, and the Quality Management System (QMS) Structure. The NHA Quality Manual and Quality Procedures were also developed and as of now, are still subject for approval of the QMS Committee and the Top Management.

Mr. Tengco explains that in 2007, Executive Order no. 605 was issued requiring all government agencies, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) to establish a Quality Management

System certifiable to ISO 9001:2008 in their respective agencies. This was also included in the six-year Philippine Development Plan of President Benigno S. Aquino III. He further explained that the establishment of the Quality Management System certifiable to ISO 9001:2008 in NHA was included by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) as a good governance mandatory requirement.

Meanwhile, the IQA interviews conducted by the Core Team in the different Departments and AMOs in November turned out productive. The findings were generally categorized as Conformity (C), with Opportunity for Improvement (OFI), and Non-Conformity (NC), based on the QMS Principles and Requirements of the ISO 9001:2008. However, Mr. Tengco cleared that even though the ISO readiness for the Authority was targeted for December 2015, the certification was expected to be given by a third party certifying body on July or August 2016. In addition to this, the Departments and AMOs which were issued OFIs and Non-Conformities during the IQA are required to perform corrective actions. He also assured that further Internal Quality Audits will be conducted by 2016 to check for these corrective actions and other matters related to QMS.

Former San Juan City Informal Settler Families can now live comfortably in their new abode at the newly constructed St. Joseph Ville Low Rise Buildings (LRBs), located at Barangay St. Joseph, Pinaglabanan St., San Juan City.

On December 10, Thursday, 320 out of 348 total units were turned over to family-beneficiaries who also attended the Buyer’s Orientation held earlier this year. On the same date, a supplemental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) specifically for St. Joseph LRB was signed between the NHA and the San Juan City Local Government Unit.

The LRBs they will occupy will have an average unit size of 24.sq.meter and will

be composed of five buildings (60 units per building); and another building with 48 units. Each building has five floors. LRB construction started last February 10, 2014.

Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas represented President Benigno S. Aquino III during the turnover and ribbon cutting ceremony. San Juan City Mayor Guia G. Gomez, NHA General Manager Atty. Sinforoso R. Pagunsan and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chair Atty. Chito M. Cruz graced the event. Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito was also present during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

San Juan City’s ISFs benefit from NHA LRBsHappy faces of San Juan Homeowners. They will occupy LRBs which will be their own homes in San Juan City. (Photo by Gavin P. Corpuz)

4 KANLUNGAN

Good News in the Regions

It is when men love their families that inspire them to work harder. For Garry

and Jessie, two of the top ten Galing Mason 2015 finalists, the learnings they earned throughout the training

and the contest itself is all for the benefit of the family. This is their story.

Galing Mason Tooling Up For Progress

Garry Meca Block 10 Lot 16, Phase 2, South Ville 6, Brgy. Kay-anlog, Calamba City, Laguna

Next to loving his family, Garry Meca of Danao, Cebu City loves to work as a mason. In honing his craft, Garry joined Galing Mason, a free masonry training and contest sponsored by the NHA, HOLCIM Inc., Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW), Department of Education (DepEd) and TESDA.

“Ang aking karanasan sa Galing Mason contest ay nagdulot sa akin ng mahahalagang alaala at aral. Pinalakas nito ang aking loob na kaya kong makipagsabayan sa iba, nagkaroon ako ng mga kaibigan at lubos kong ikinagagalak ang pagkakaroon ko ng National Certificate II mula sa TESDA,” Garry shared to NHA.

Prior his Galing Mason contest stint, Garry in 2013 took the Galing Mason Training and earned his NC II TESDA certification the same year. This certification became his passport to join the search for Galing Mason 2015 Championship held in Javier, Leyte last September 2015.

Aniya, “Kung hindi man ako maging champion, masaya na ako na maging kabilang sa top ten.” His hardwork paid off as his heart’s desire was granted. Garry made it to the top ten and went home with *Php 35,000.00.

“Hindi ko mahanap ang mga salita na gusto kong sabihin sa pagkakataong naibigay sa akin,” Garry described when

asked about his winning moment.Garry is married to Catherine Sevilla

and has (4) four children.

Note: Garry’s prize money was used as a starting capital for their sari-sari store, and for the education of his children. Lastly, as an advance payment for their housing amortization with NHA.

Jessie AyaboBlock 16 Lot 118 Phase 3 Southville 6, Brgy. Kay-anlog, Calamba City, Laguna

Jessie Ayabo’s practical but witty answer during his Galing Mason Contest panel interview led him to be one of the top ten finalist.

Panel: How do you know HOLCIM cement?

Jessie: Ang HOLCIM Cement po ang ginagamit from life to death.

Panel: How? (faces in wonder)Jessie: Ibig sabihin mula sa paggawa ng

bahay para sa “buhay” at pati sa paggawa ng mga nitso sa sementeryo para sa “patay” ang ginagamit ay HOLCIM cement dahil sa subok na matibay.

“Itong training ko sa Galing Mason ay nakapagdagdag sa akin ng maraming skills at ang aking National Certificate II (NC II) na galing sa TESDA ang panghabang-

buhay na makakatulong sa aking pagtatrabaho bilang mason,” said Jessie.

For someone who experienced a difficult schooling when he was young, Jessie prioritized the education of his children. His eldest daughter now is a BS Education graduate and his youngest is a first year BS Social Work student.

“Noong nag-aaral pa ako, kami ng mga kakalase ko ay nanunuluyan sa isang barung-barong. Malayo kasi ang paaralan sa aming mga tahanan noon. Sakripisyo talaga,” dagdag niya.

Like Garry, Jessie received a total of Php 35, 000.00 and allotted the same for the education of his children. He also updated his NHA housing obligation.

A native of Cabugao, Apayao, Jessie is married to Josephine, a widow with five children. Together, they have two (2) children, now adults 22 and 20.

Today, he is back in his masonry work, “hindi ko inakala na ang pagiging mason ang magdudulot ng ganitong ng pagkilala “recognition” sa aking trabaho,” Jessie exclaimed. - Felicitas Garcia Boa

*Php 20,000.00 and Php 10,000.00 for being a graduate of NHA-HOLCIM Galing Mason Training and additional P5,000.00 incentive was given to each 20 finalist.

Duck, cover and hold was the latest safety drill the 120 Manggahan Residences 1 unit dwellers participated in, held October 30-31, 2015.

The conduct of the Fire and Earth Quake Drill was facilitated by the National Housing Authority (NHA) and headed by Mr. Arnel Condicion of the Pasig Rescue Group with the assistance of the Barangay Sta. Lucia Rescue Team. The two-day session covered the orientation on the history of the valley fault system, movement of lands, earthquake-related hazards, intensity/magnitude of earthquake, the dos and don’ts during earthquakes and fire. Ready with their disaster and emergency

bags, the residents evacuated the building with their packed foods, water and documents.

With the active involvement of unit awardees, floor leaders, building representatives namely Ms. Madeline Suarez and Mr. Edwin H. Bercasio, President Mr. Bernard Belmonte of Alliance of Peoples’ Organization Along Manggahan Floodway, the earthquake and fire drill went well and was a success.

The National Housing Authority (NHA), in cooperation with the City Housing and Community Development Office (CHCDO) of Tacloban, conducted a raffle draw for the available housing units at different permanent resettlement sites in the city. Ms. Marilyn Lauzon, NHA Project Manager for Leyte and Samar, CHCDO Executive Director Maria Lourdes Lagman, and Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) Tacloban City Area Coordinator Mr. Napoleon Cairo graced the activity. The raffled units were from Ridgeview Park I, Villa Diana, and Villa Sofia located in the northern barangays of Tacloban City.

In her speech, Ms. Lauzon said that the assigning of housing units marks the beginning of a new life for those families who have been severely affected by Supertyphoon Yolanda. She acknowledged

the efforts of the city government for its continuous support to the resettlement projects of the NHA. She added that only those families with occupancy permits will be awarded with the housing units. She reminded everyone that once they are in the permanent resettlement site, they will be held responsible of their units in maintaining the cleanliness, peace and order within the resettlement site.

The NHA raffled a total of 391 units for families living at the IPI Bunkhouse in Barangay Caibaan and 253 for families living at the NHA bunkhouse in Sagkahan. They will be transferred to the Ridgeview Park I in Cabalawan. At Villa Diana, though all of the housing units are ready for occupancy, only 112 housing units have been issued occupancy permits and were awarded to the families. The remaining 297 units are still subject for inspection by

Tacloban Beneficiaries Get Housing Units

Ms. Marilyn Lauzon awards the housing unit to a family living on IPI bunkhouses.

Duck, Cover and Hold @ Manggahan Residences 1

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN Habitat) as an initial step to the pilot implementation of the NHA’s Community-Based Shelter and Livelihood (CBSL) Program, last December 17 at the NHA Board Room.

The MOU was signed by Atty. Sinforoso R. Pagunsan, NHA General Manager, and Mr. Christopher E. Rollo, Country Programme Manager of UN Habitat.

“It is an honor and privilege to partner with government in serving the people affected by Typhoon Yolanda, to help fast track the delivery of housing services to the communities,” said Mr. Rollo.

NHA Signs MOU with UN Habitat

He congratulated the “groundbreaking initiative” of NHA in recognizing the “power of the communities to help themselves recover from disaster and to achieve better lives.”

The CBSL pilot implementation shall cover the Municipalities of Carles, Concepcion, and Estancia all in Iloilo Province. The program aims to strengthen the partnership among stakeholders, particularly the active involvement of the community associations, in all areas of housing development and estate management.

“We believe in empowering the community,” said Atty. Chito M. Cruz, Chairman of the Housing and Urban and Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). He would like to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the CBSL, and if the program succeeded,

NHA will launch the same in other areasMr. Eusebio Jacinto, Jr., representative

of National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), added that the program can hopefully be institutionalized since “a lot of partners – international and local – are willing to be part of a similar program initiative.”

Furthermore, Ms. Margarita Songco, Deputy Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), commended the advocacy on the stakeholders’ participation.

The signing was witnessed by Atty. Cruz, DDG Songco, Froilan R. Kampitan, NHA Assistant General Manager, and Mr. Jacinto.

The CBSL Program is recently approved by the NHA Board of Directors to augment the existing housing program already in place in the Visayas Region.

Signing of the MOU on CBSL between the NHA and the UN Habitat.

the City Government. In Villa Sofia, 100 housing units were awarded from the families originally from Barangay 88 near the airport area.

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2015 5

And just like that, the Christmas season is here again. We will be invited to endless parties and family get-togethers, and chances are, you’ll be eating like there’s no tomorrow. Weight gain is almost inevitable, especially when the buffet spread includes lechon, crispy pata, and an array of rich and sinful desserts.

This is the time of the year when healthy eating gets thrown out the window, and promises are made to go on a diet after the New Year. But with a few creative substitutions, you can indulge in delicious Christmas and New Year fares without going overboard on calories and fat. So if you haven’t figured out what to prepare on your table on Christmas or New Year’s Eve, try these healthy options from soup to bread, to veggie, courtesy of chefs Jertie and Jacky Abergas of Jertie’s Kitchen. Chili Con Gulay Why it’s good for you: Aside from the healthy goodness that vegetables has to offer, the added chili is said to reduce pain from arthritis, reduce blood cholesterol, and lower the rate of heart attack and stroke. Ingredients:

2 tbsp water or broth1 onion, diced4 cloves garlic, minced1 large carrot, chopped2 tbsp chilli powder2 tbsp cumin2 tbsp oregano1 can tomato paste28 oz whole tomatoes3 cups water1 cup mushrooms, chopped1 cup kidney beans (canned or dried)hot sauce2 cups cornsProcedure:If you’re using dried beans:1. Soak beans for at least eight hours.2. Once soaked, drain and rinse.3. Cook in a pot with three cups of water and let it boil.4. Set aside and let it cool.

IN SCOTLAND, “Hogmanay” is the term for New Year. One of their traditions during the celebration is alighting barrels of tar to be rolled through the streets. Another one is the ‘First Footing’, wherein the first to step foot in their houses after midnight must be a tall, dark-haired and handsome man to offer some gifts like lumps of coal, black bun, and a whisky to toast.

IN SPAIN, a century-old tradition, ‘The 12 Lucky Grapes’ has been embraced in celebration of New Year. The Spaniards, in their red undies, gather in front of television screens or in town squares, carrying bowls with green grapes. TV screens feature the 18th century ‘Real Casa de Correos’ in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol with a pair of announcers in its respective formals. As the clock strikes twelve, the herald triggers the Spanish people to pop each of the 12 grapes at each of the 12 dongs – each symbolizes the months of the coming year.

IN DENMARK, New Year is welcomed in a unique way. Danes traditionally stand on a chair and jump from it as the clock strikes twelve. They believe that this will give them luck. Another Danish culture is to gather all the dishes used in the passing year and throw them at the front door – the more broken plates, the more friends one shall have.

IN U.S.A., a very loud noise literally describes American celebrations of New Year. Among these are all-night parties which include people who

wear the best fashion and uncorking of champagne is their main festive culture, and also to get luck. New York Times Square offers fireworks display for celebration and grand parties where Hollywood artists and prominent people perform on stage for the people. Meanwhile, some of them enjoy a relaxed New Year’s Eve by watching Football Tournaments via television. The said sports is telecast across the country. It is a tradition continuing since 1916.

IN BRAZIL, New Year is welcomed by beach parties that have been classified as one of the best styles of party in the World. Aside from this, Brazilians have traditional rituals. The feast of Lemenja – African Goddess of the Sea coincides with the party. The Copa Cabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is lit up with candles while people, especially the fishermen, gather in the bridge or boat to offer things like perfume, food or things into the sea.

IN CHINA, New Year is also known as ‘Yuan Tan’. Chinese celebrate the once-a-year event by feasting and having Lion Dance for entertainment; beating of drums and cymbals to drive away the evil; lighting hundreds of lantern to welcome home the positive vibes; and exchanging of red envelope containing money (Lai See) is done as a symbol of good luck.

IN ANTARCTICA, New Year comes in during summer. It has been at the Mc Murdo Station of U.S.A. where dozens of solo artists and bands – all

New Year Around The GlobeMeet the weirdest and the grandest New Year parties in the World.

New Year’s Reflection: Making It Through

“I’ve learned that sometimes the darkest times can bring us to the brightest places; that sometimes, the most toxic people can teach us the most important lessons. I’ve learned that our most painful struggles can grant us the most growth; and that the most heartbreaking losses of friendship and love can make room for the most wonderful people.

“I’ve learned that what seems like a curse in the moment can actually be a blessing, and that what seems at the end of the road is actually just the discovery that we are meant to travel down a different path… that even when it’s scary, even when all of our strength seems gone, we have to keep going, and picking ourselves back up, and moving forward, because whatever we’re battling in the moment will pass, and we will make it through. We’ve made it this far. We can make it through whatever comes next.”

- Daniell Koepke

local, play for hours. This started in 1990. Celebration in this place is indeed a reflection of a very peaceful party. Perhaps it is the result of commercialism absence – no one is trying to sell you anything.

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right,” said Oprah Winfrey, one of the richest women in the World. - Joebert C. Chicano

Have a Healthy, Merry

Christmas!

If you’re using canned beans:1. Drain canned beans and rinse.2. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in water or broth.3. Add chilli powder, cumin, and oregano.4. Make sure vegetables are coated with spices.5. Add tomato paste, tomatoes, water, mushroom, and kidney beans and let it simmer.6. Add corn.7. Serve with sour cream and bread

Really Raw FruitcakeWhy it’s good for you: Raw fruits stuffed in a cake can

give you many benefits such as an increase in energy level and better sleep. It can also make you look youthful, not to mention, shed a few pounds.

Ingredients:1 cup dates1 cup raisins½ cup dried cranberries1 cup raw almonds, soaked for 6 hours1 cup raw walnuts, soaked for 6 hours1 ½ cup desiccated coconut1 ½ to tsp rum1 cup prunes¼ tsp sea salt¼ tsp ground cloves2 tsp cinnamonwater for soakingjuice of an orange (optional)

Procedure:1. Soak all dried fruits for 30 minutes2. After soaking, drain water.3. Separate fruits and nuts for décor later.4. Add the rest of the fruits and nuts in a food processorand process until everything are mixed well.5. Use a cake or loaf pan to shape the fruit and nutsPress the mix down to make sure it is compact.6. Decorate the cake with the rest of the fruits and nuts.

Chickpea SopasWhy it’s good for you: Chickpeas are high in dietary

fiber and protein. It also has low glycemic index that can keep you feeling full for longer periods. It also lowers bad cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Ingredients:400g elbow macaroni (or any pasta noodle you prefer)2 cloves garlic, crushed1 onion, chopped¼ cup celery, thinly sliced¼ cup carrots, julienned or in small cubes½ cup cabbage, shredded or julienned1 cup water or vegetable broth2 to 3 cups coconut milk1 can chickpeas, mashed1 tsp black pepperpinch of salt, to tasteProcedure:1. Boil the pasta in a pot according to package directions. Remove pasta once tender. Drain and rinse and set aside.2. Sauté garlic and onions in water or vegetable broth in a pan over medium heat.3. Add water or broth. Mix and simmer for three minutes over medium heat.4. Add carrots and celery. Stir. Let it simmer until itboils.5. Add coconut milk, cabbage, and mashed chickpeas.6. Add salt and pepper to taste7. Add pasta.8. Bring to a boil.9. Turn off heat and serve.

- Donna Mae B. HuardeSource: www.gmanews.tv; www.mb.com; www.rappler.com

Chickpea Sopas (Photos by Noel Pabalate) Chili Con Gulay (left) and Really Raw Fruit Cake

6 KANLUNGAN

A grand vacation is in the bucket list of TEAM MARS, a group of friends bonded by the love of sports, comprised of current and former members of the NHA Volleyball Team. We were also instrumental in introducing badminton as a competitive sport in NHA. Members are: Loida Galindo (Acctg.,CIED), Coots Caluag (Acctg., EMD), Lynnette Josef (Acctg.), Josie Palad (CIED), Babes Castro (CIED), Neri Subido (CIED) and Ludy Josef (NCL).

Loida Galindo and Coots Caluag left NHA early on. Coots has immigrated to New Jersey, USA since 2007. She has been urging us to give her a visit, since life, as we know in the USA, is all work, and she misses terribly the bonding of the group. Loida just recently married an American retiree, and has settled in Connecticut.

Meeting up in New Jersey became a possibility when, last December 2014, my youngest daughter Tishy, a freshman at the UST Conservatory of Music, Major in Piano, intimated to my hubby and I that she would rather travel to the East Coast and visit The Juilliard School in New York City in lieu of celebrating her 18th birthday with a debut party.

Considering the cost benefit analysis of that option, we easily gave in to her request. After coordinating with Coots and Loida, I purchased tickets via Cathay Pacific to New Jersey for Tishy and I. Our trip to USA was scheduled from June 6 to July 4, 2015.

The Josef sisters, Lynnette and Ludy, have been travelling around Asia, and a trip to the US is their biggest dream! Getting a US Visa, however, is the biggest hindrance.

With the help of Pops, my hubby, the sisters were so fortunate to be given 10 years multiple entry visas on their first try. Immediately, I helped them book a flight, and we were able to get the same travel dates.

Planning for the trip was difficult since we all had to synchronize our schedules. Primary on our objective is to all go together to NYC in accompanying Tishy at The Juilliard School. I googled The Juilliard School for information on group visits, and I was disheartened to

discover that they have stringent requirements. Based on their website, we wouldn’t have qualified for a group visit. I was not about to lose hope and I sent an email and explained the purpose of our visit.

I got a formal reply from the Juilliard School informing me that the school has decided to waive all requirements. That was a moment of jubilation and gratitude! Team Mars was all agog preparing for our meet up in NJ!

Finally, on June 8, all of us settled at Coot’s house in Belleville, NJ. Babes flew in from LA, and Loida drove all the way to NJ from Connecticut with new hubby, Jerry. The first day was bonding time: a lot of stories told and retold. Coots was the happiest, since we all volunteered to do house chores for her and her older brother whom we all call Diko.

On the second day, clad in our Team Mars black and gold shirts, we took the 30-minute bus ride to New York. Armed with a map, we bravely embarked on an unguided tour of NYC’s scenic routes. We had photo ops at Broadway Street, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, and a peek of Central Park. People were curiously looking at our identical Team Mars shirts and one even yelled “Sweetheart, I am from Venus!”

After more than an hour of walking, we reached our destination at the Lincoln Center, location of The Juilliard School. We were welcomed by our guide, Amanda, a Juilliard sophomore, and she toured us around the campus and various recital and concert venues. Tishy was privileged to have played Sonata on a Steinway & Sons grand piano. As a mother, it’s sad that I wasn’t able to commemorate that in a photovideo, as it was strictly prohibited.

On June 11, we celebrated two milestones: the 18th birthday of Tishy, and the golden anniversary of Ludy! We had fun grilling steaks on the new outdoor griller that Coots purposely bought for our visit!

Our next trip was in Atlantic City. We stayed at Trump Taj Mahal. The first outlet we went to was the Tanger Outlets.

During the second week, we went back to NYC twice for the customary tour of the iconic places. We went up on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, and had a 360 degree view of Midtown, Lower Manhattan and Central Park .Tishy dropped a coin in the old fashioned binocular at the promenade deck, so we could take turns to have a close up look of The Hudson River and East River, The Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, and much more.

Our favorite iconic statue is the Statue of Liberty, also a symbol of hope and determination for many people. We took a Ferry trip to the island from Battery Park. We also visited the Ellis Island Immigration Museum which documents the history of the many people coming to seek a better life in the United States over the last few centuries.

We also visited the National September Memorial or Ground Zero, a sobering tribute to the thousands who lost their lives on that fateful day.

The Rockefeller Center is situated in Midtown Manhattan and it offers a variety of attractions open to the public all year round. We saw the famous NBC studios and discovered what it takes to make shows such as “NBC Nightly News” and “Saturday Night Live”. Tishy and I found a hole-in-a-wall pizza joint, which Tishy said serves the best pizza ever, beating her earlier favorite hole-in-the-wall pizza parlor at San Francisco, California.

Our last stop is the Central Park which is so extensive and spans a staggering 341 hectares, which offers a

Team Mars Thru Nine States And Washington, D.C. , U.S.A.

LIFESTYLE

welcome break from the lights and buzz of the Manhattan concrete jungle.

Next on our itinerary was Vienna, Virginia. From Vienna, we took the train and toured Washington,

DC, the U.S. capital. It is a compact city on the Potomac River, bordering the states of Maryland and Virginia. We were in awe with the sight of imposing neoclassical monuments and buildings – including the iconic ones that house the federal government’s 3 branches: the Capitol, White House and Supreme Court.

On the second day, we took the Big Bus. Our hop-on, hop-off ticket also provided us the freedom to get off the bus to explore and visit Washington DC tourist attractions. Our favorite among the sites is the Lincoln Memorial.

On our third week in the East Coast, we went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to visit Coot’s nephew. Philly is noted for the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. We got to sample the famous Philly Steak with cheese at Pat’s, a must go eclectic neighborhood.

In between stays at New Jersey, we went to Sunday masses at Sacred Heart at Bellevue and after, we went to malls like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and outlets for shopping and dining. We would laugh at ourselves for we were done with shopping after the malls’ closing time. Palagi kaming napagsasarhan ng malls!!!

Next stop was the visit to Loida and Jerry in their new apartment at Vernon, Connecticut (CT). CT is one of the first of New England states we went to. We toured around the state starting with Elizabeth Park, Mark Twain’s and Harriet Elizabeth Beecher Stowe’s Houses. Twain and Stowe are renowned authors. We also heard mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Litchfield.

They also brought us to Massachusetts (2nd New England State) where we got to see Plymouth Rock, the site of the first colony in New England. We visited campuses of famous universities like Harvard, Boston and MIT. Last stop at Mass was the Divine Mercy Shrine. We had a sort of miraculous experience in the shrine. A separate article has to be written to share that wonderful event.

The 3rd New England State we visited is Rhode Island (RI). We went to the famous Newport Mansions and Cliff Walk with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Our favorite mansion is called the Breakers, owned by the wealthy Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt Mansion is the grandest and most opulent of the Mansions. It is a must to have a panoramic groupie shot!

Alas, the day had come that we had to leave the good ole USA. We could not believe we ended up visiting nine states, plus Washington, D.C. in one month! New York City; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Delaware and Maryland (passing through); Virginia; and three (3) New England States in four days: Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

We were so blessed to have generous and accommodating friends. Maxed credit cards and loans to be paid notwithstanding, travelling with family and friends creates wonderful and unforgettable memories. Travelling increases our knowledge and widens our perspective. Our one month vacation helped us recharge our “batteries” by disconnecting us from the daily grind. A feeling of nostalgia never fails to overcome me every time I look back at hundreds of photographs and reliving stories and adventures. Looking forward to the next Team Mars adventure!!!! - Nerissa A. Subido, CIED

I always feel happy, you know why? Because I don’t expect anything from anyone, expectations always hurt. Life is short, so love your life, be happy and keep smiling. Just live for yourself and before you speak, listen; before you write, think; before you spend, earn; before you pray, forgive; before you hurt, feel; before you hate, love; before you quit, try; before you die, live!

- William Shakespeare

Team Mars from L to R... Lynette A. Josef, Loida G. Hilliard, Beng C. Perez, Coots T. Caluag, the author, Tishy A. Subido and Ludy A. Josef.

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2015 7

Twenty-one females and 17 males. A mix of homeowners’ association presidents and members, youth and high school students, barangay workers, local government employees, young professionals and senior citizens. Having an inate interest in writing, they responded to the Community Relations and Information Operations Department’s (CRIOD) invitation for project beneficiaries to join a Basic Writing and Photography Training-Workshop to create a regular pool of contributors for LinkOD, NHA’s online community newspaper. Having completed the basic training activity, they have formed the first batch of regular LinKOD contributors from Luzon and are now NHA’s partners in its Community Information Program geared towards generating the community’s support, participation and involvement in housing development. LinkOD was launched in May 2011

as a fast and immediate access to news and information among NHA project communities through the internet technology. It is a major information-motivation tool to carry-out and sustain the NHA-community partnership. Posted in NHA’s official website www.nha.gov.ph, LinkOD issues have been put together using the community news and stories, poems, literacy pieces, graphics and artwork shared by NHA beneficiaries in English or Filipino.

The Basic Writing and Photography Training-Workshop was conducted to attract more contributors for LinkOD. The one-day session was facilitated by the CRIOD-Program Planning and Review Division (PPRD) communications development team in four (4) pilot areas -- South Sector I and Dagat-Dagatan for the National Capitol Region, Bagong Nayon II for Southern Luzon and Bicol and Towerville Project for Northern and Central Luzon. As backgrounder on LinkOD, the team presented the history

From Beneficiary to LinkOD Contributor

NHA’s homeowner’s association presidents and members turned LinkOD writers and artists during the writing and photography workshop. (Photos courtesy of CRIOD)

Most of us have been avid facebook users since its creation in 2004. Today, facebook serves as the number one online social networking site worldwide, translated into nu-merous languages for the use of other countries. Amassing a total of 1.8 billion active users per month as of August 2015, facebook has totally changed the way of life of our generation – from the way we share our thoughts, we communicate with our loved ones and friends, and even the way we talk. And speaking of the new way we talk, many of us Filipino facebook users surely has come upon words like “bae”, “pabebe”, “ninja moves”, and other terms which were always popping out of our timelines, but we abso-lutely have no idea about. So before the year ends, let me share with you some of these words that made it into the Pinoy slang of 2015. Who knows, you might be able to use these someday?

USE IN A SENTENCE: Pabebe yung aso ko, ayaw ng dog food.

3. BEAST MODE – This term possibly developed from the video game Altered Beast Sega where the character transforms into different types of beasts when mad. Thus, the word “beast mode” literally means the person is really mad, he’s already transforming into a beast.

USE IN A SENTENCE: Ang lakas maka-beast mode ng traffic sa EDSA!

4. NINJA MOVES – Referring to the fast but silent movements of Ninja warriors, the term “ninja moves” literally refers to a person’s speedy actions without being noticed.

USE IN A SENTENCE: Nawala yung chocolate ko sa ref! Ninja moves yung kumuha!

Pinoy Slang 2015

1. BAE – According to an urban dictionary, this word was originally an acronym for the phrase “Before Anything Else”. But recently, the term became a shortened version of endearing words “babe” or “baby”. The word became even more famous in the country when Kapuso actor Alden Richards was labeled “Ang Pambansang Bae”.

USE IN A SENTENCE: I love food more than men. So fried chicken is literally my bae.

2. PABEBE – The word “pabebe” literally means “magpa-baby”, to act like a small child or to act in a cute manner. Today, the word is used to describe someone who is acting pa-hard to get, choosy, or pa-cute.

5. GALAWANG BREEZY – The word “galawang breezy” may have developed from the English word “breezy” which means the gust of wind. Today, this term refers to the way men try to do their ninja moves to score a date with a girl.

USE IN A SENTENCE: Galawang breezy si Frankie kay Meng a? Isang linggo palang sila magkakilala, may date na agad?

6. FOREVER – This word literally means never ending or eternally. Today, “forever” usually refers to a person’s status of love life.

USE IN A SENTENCE: Golden Anniversary ng parents ko! Totoo talaga ang forever!”

7. EME-EME – The slang, “eme-eme” is believed to be from the gay lingo from the ‘80s, “any-any” which means “anything”. In the ‘90s, this term morphed into the word “anik-anik” or “kung ano-ano lang”. Today, from “any-any”, the word developed into the slang, “eme-eme”.

USE IN A SENTENCE: Ano ba yang script na ‘yan! Eme-eme lang ang flow!

According to National Artist for Literature, Virgilio Almario, these words are part of colloquialism. It is a way of showing a distinct group in the society. People make their own lingo or their own way of communicating, especially for the sector who feels that they are being marginalized. In a way, slang or lingos are formed so that people inside these groups or communities can relate with each other.

But whatever these lingos may be, the creation of these words is a proof that our language is alive, dynamic, and is continuing to change over the years. Formal or informal, what’s important is that, we are able to use our native language to communicate and to reach out to our fellow Filipinos here and abroad.

- Donna Mae B. Huarde

and development of NHA’s Community Information Program, the different medium of communications that have been used over the years and the seven (7) sections which can be contributed to: Over the Top (Banner Story); In Focus (Editor’s Pick: Feature on beneficiaries/community programs, activities); News Express (with link to Freeze Frame Photo Gallery); What’s in the Air (Environmental, Health and Wellness Concerns); Gender Station (Feature on GAD-related programs and

smart phones and digital cameras.The participants let their creative juices

flow, coming-up with impressive outputs for both modules, including drawings and graphics, enough to have a ready supply of features/contributions for future LinkOD issues. And in recognition of their application of the writing and photography guidelines they had learned, a Best Writer and a Best Photographer was chosen from each of the training-workshop conducted.

Highlighting each training-workshop was the culminating activity where each participant wrote their individual commitment as LinkOD contributor on the LinkOD stationary and sealing this with their fingerprints.

“I commit to submitting pictures and articles once a year for LinkOD.”

“Ipinapangako ko na magbibigay ng aking kaalaman sa pagpapahayag sa aking komunidad at i-share ang aking talent sa pagsusulat at pagkuha ng litrato upang maibahagi sa iba ang mga nagyayari sa pamayanan at makag-inspire ang aking kuwento.” -NCR South Sector I

“I, Lucy Rous D. Hilarion, am promising that I will make updates regarding my community every time there is an event … that might be of help to others. It may take a lot of effort but I am eager to make a Voice in my town … Thank you for the experience.”

“ Ako, si Alma T. Basa-Blanco, lehitimong residente at opisyal ng Brgy. NBBS, Lungsod ng Navotas, ay nangangakong ibibigay ang buong kooperasyon sa abot ng aking makakaya para sa ikatataguyod ng LinkOD ng NHA. Ako ay nakahandang ipahayag ang mga magagandang kaganapan sa aming komunidad upang maging inspirasyon o huwaran sa ibang lugar o organisasyon.” -Dagat-Dagatan

“Ipinapangako ko na ilalahad ko ang nangyayari sa aming lugar at ang pangyayari ang isusulat ko upang maikalat ang magandang balita. Maglalaan rin ako ng oras para sa pagkuha ng picture ng mga magagandang bagay. Ako po ay nagpapasalamat para sa aking natutunan at ibabahagi ko rin ito sa aking mga kaibigan.”

“Bilang isa sa magiging contributor ng LinkOD, ako ay nagngangakong magiging responsable sa mga tungkulin na naka-assign sa akin. Ako ay magiging tapat sa bawa’t article na aking isusulat. Aking gagawin ang lahat ng aking makakaya para sa ikagaganda ng LinkOD. At sisikapin kong makapagbigay ng artikulong makapagbibigay-impormasyon sa mga mambabasa.”-Bagong Nayon II

“I will be eco-friendly in terms of cleanliness; take a deep value in human interest. As a stakeholder, I will take care of my surroundings and anything with life and to be an eye-opener for awareness and changes.”

“Isang pribileheyo ang mapasama sa LinkOD na naglalayong imulat ang mata ng lipunan sa mga pangyayari sa kasalukuyan. Kung kaya’t bilang kabatang nabigyan ng ganitong pambihirang oportunidad, ipinapangako kong magiging responsable ako sa aking tungkulin. Magiging maagap sa aking mga gawain at maglalaan ako ng sapat ng oras sa LinkOD. Buong puso kong gagawin nang sa gayo’y maging kabahagi ako ng LinkOD sa paglikha na pagbabago. Umasa po kayong maasahan ninyo ako.” -Towerville These are but some of the commitments made. These LinkOD contributors have taken-on a nobler role, from being mere beneficiaries of housing to partnering with the NHA in transforming lives and communities. As the NHA’s greatest resource, may they inspire others to also contribute to making their communities shine through their news and feature stories, drawings and photos that capture gender-sensitive and defining moments of empowerment and changed lives. -Bing N. Doctor, CRIOD

activities: Gender Sensitivity Trainings (GST), Environmental Protection Program (EPP), women empowerment); Creative Juices (Literary/Art Work, Entertainment); and Crossing Borders (Collection Enhancement: Testimonial feature on fully-paid beneficiaries, updated payors). The writing module contained the guidelines on using the four (4) Ws (Who, What, Where, When) and one (1) H (How), while the photography module contained tricks and tips on basic photography using

FEATURE

Graphics by Gavin P. Corpuz

extent to which the work has benefited the community, firm Christian convictions, and personal values anchored on the ideals of Christian virtues.

Ms.Picazo flew all the way to her hometown in Cagayan de Oro City on November 25, 2015 to personally receive her award on November 27 at the PCC Auditorium-Maisie Van Vactor Hall. Prior to this, she also attended a Thanksgiving Service on November 26, 2015.

According to Ms. Picazo, the said award means a lot to her, especially at this time when government service is faced with a lot of challenges. She believes that an outstanding award for government service in these trying times is invaluably rewarding and truly inspiring. She also hopes that this will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation to continue pursuing to make a difference and impact in their respective areas of service.Ms. Picazo has been with NHA for 32

years.

Viema Picazo Bags Outstanding Alumna AwardMs. Viema Picazo, Acting Industrial

Relations Development Chief from the Human Resource Management Department (HRMD), was hailed one of this year’s The Outstanding Pilgrimians (TOP) for Government Service by her Alma Mater, Pilgrim Christian College in Cagayan de Oro City.

Founded in 1948, the Pilgrim Christian College (PCC) celebrated its 67th Founding Anniversary from November 25 to 29, 2015. One of the highlights of their celebration was the Search for the Ten Outstanding Pilgrimians (TOP) 2015, where Ms. Picazo who graduated from high school Batch 1974 was honored the TOP 2015 Award for the Government Service Category. Among the awardees were alumni from different batches who were given recognition for their excellence in Corporate Management, Research and Linkages, Medicine, Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Education, and other fields. The criteria for the award included noteworthiness of performance/ contribution, impact of achievement and

PERSONNEL

Apat na dekada.Libu-libong kawani.Mahahalagang adhikain.Isang National Housing Authority.

Sa puntong ito’y ating balikan.

Tulad na lang ni *Maria na isang simpleng empleyado ng NHA simula pa noong 1975. Ngayo’y may asawa, mga anak at mga apo na sa edad na 63. Samakatuwid, isa nang certified lola o senior citizen sa paglipas ng mahabang panahon. Simula’t sapul, sa ahensya na siya namasukan at nagtrabaho. Dito niya iginugol ang kaniyang oras, dedikasyon at pagmamahal.

Isang panibagong araw na naman para kay Maria at hindi nya akalain na ito na ang ika-apatnapung taon niya sa naturang ahensya. “Hay, 40th anniversary ko na sa NHA”, nasambit niya habang naghahanda para sa napakahalagang araw na ito para sa kaniya at sa institusyong humubog sa kaniyang angking-kakayahan, galing, talino, at maging sa kaniyang pagkatao.

Natigilan si Maria habang siya’y papalapit na sa main entrance ng NHA. At doo’y nagbalik-tanaw sa apat na dekadang paglilingkod sa ahensya. Bumalik lahat ng masasaya, maging ang mga malulungkot na alaala na parang kahapon lamang nangyari ang lahat ng iyon.

Tandang-tanda pa niya ang kaniyang mga naging karanasan noong siya’y nagsisimula pa lamang sa Tondo Foreshore Development Project, taong 1975. Si Maj. Gen. Gaudencio V. Tobias ang Pangkalahatang-Tagapamahala sa noo’y kakapasinaya pa lamang na NHA. Sa ilalim ng pamamahala ni GM Tobias, kakaiba ang kanilang naging kasanayan dahil sa disiplinado at epektibong pangangasiwa nito, na siya namang lalong nagtulak sa kanila na ibigay ang de-kalidad na serbisyong-publiko. Sa katunayan, inaabot pa sila ng madaling-araw upang matapos lamang ang mga trabahong iniatas sa kanila. Dugo at pawis ang kanilang ipinuhunan, ngunit hindi nila inalintana ang hirap at sakripisyo para maitaguyod at makamit ang tinatamasang tagumpay ngayon ng NHA. Nararapat lamang na sila’y tawagin na mga bayani sa makabagong panahon bilang pagkilala sa kanilang mga natatanging kontribusyon sa bayang sinilangan.

Bahagyang pumatak ang mga luha ni Maria habang papalapit na kung saan gaganapin ang “Gawad-Parangal para sa mga Natatanging Empleyado ng NHA”. Ito’y luha ng kagalakan -- kagalakang dulot ng ilang taong serbisyo at ilang buhay na napagkalooban ng gawad-pabahay ng isang makataong pamahalaan.

Sa apatnapung taong pamamayagpag ng Pambansang Tagapangasiwa sa Pabahay, ilang mga General Managers na rin ang dumaan. Iba’t-ibang karanasan at kasanayan na rin ang pinagdaan ni Maria, na siyang lalong humubog sa kaniyang pagkatao. Naging bahagi siya ng kaliwa’t kanang demolisyon sa Metro Manila upang bigyang-daan ang mga proyektong pangkaunlaran ng pamahalaan. Nasaksihan niya ang mga hinaing ng mga apektadong pamilya sapagkat mariin nilang tinutulan ang paglikas sa kanila sa resettlement site.

Isang hindi makakalimutang eksena na hango sa totoong pangyayari ang biglang sumagi sa isip ni Maria na noo’y isang Estate Management Assistant. Ito ay ang naganap na demolisyon sa North Rail kung saan mahigit isang libong pamilya ang naging apektado. Napakalakas ng pagtutol ng mga tao. Ngunit kinakailangan silang ilikas alinsunod sa mga batas na sumasaklaw dito para sa mas disenteng tirahan at mas maayos na pamayanan para sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Nakakatakot, nakakalungkot, at nakakapanghina ng loob ang ganitong mga kaganapan. Ngunit kailangang mangibabaw ang tatag ng loob upang bigyang-daan ang mas magandang buhay para sa mga informal settlers.

Noong 1990s, nagkaroon ng malawakan at napapanahong pagbabago sa ahensya dulot ng modernisasyon at paglaganap ng makabagong teknolohiya. Dahil dito, napabilis at higit na naging epektibo ang pag-abot ng serbisyo sa mga benepisyaryo ng pabahay. Isa itong matinding pagsubok para kay Maria sapagkat kailangan niyang sumailalim sa panibagong pagsasanay upang makasabay sa modernisasyon. Subalit hindi ito naging hadlang upang lalo pa niyang pagbutihin ang kaniyang kakayahan.

Sa paglipas ng mga taon, nagsulputan ang iba’t-iba pang mga resettlement projects, maging sa kanayunan upang mabilis na matugunan ang lumalaking pangangailangan sa murang pabahay. Kasabay nito ang pagkakaroon ng makatao at mas maayos na sistema na nakapaloob sa mga alituntunin ng NHA na siyang mahigpit na ipinapatupad sa lahat ng mga saklaw nito.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga uliran at huwarang mga kawani ng ahensya ay nagkakaisa sa pagsasakatuparan sa isang hangarin sa taong 2019 – na ang NHA ay nakapag-abot na ng 50% na gawad-pabahay sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan, batay sa 2011 na senso na nakatira sa mga alulusan, delikadong lugar, at apektado ng proyekto ng pamahalaan sa buong kapuluan.

Napangiti si Maria habang nakaupo at hinihintay ang pagsisimula ng pagdiriwang ng Gawad Parangal. Makalipas ang isang sandali, nagsimula na ang programa at di kalaunan ay unti-unti nang pinarangalan ang ilang mga kawani.

“At sa pagkakataong ito, ang Gawad-Parangal para sa Ulirang Empleyado ng Taon, isang bayani sa makabagong henerasyon ay walang iba kundi si…Maria Elena Fernandez…salubungin natin siya ng isang masigabong palakpakan.” Nagsitayo ang lahat bilang pagkilala sa di matatawarang serbisyo na ipinamalas ni Maria.

Hunting For Santa Claus

Challenge yourself. Search for the twelve Santas.

Apatnapung Taon Na Po Kamini Jerome F. Banay, CRO A, Bagong Nayon II Project

* Si Maria ay kumakatawan sa libu-libong kawani ng NHA na walang kapagurang iginugol ang mahahalagang oras at dedikasyon nila para sa NHA.