Solo parents may avail of housing program in Caraga
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The National Housing Authority (NHA) Caraga assured the solo parents that once qualified to become a beneficiary, they can have their own house and lot, while they have to pay according to a convenient scheme or term.
During the recent Kapihan sa PIA at SM City Butuan, Ellen T. Caguindangan, acting chief of Community Support Services Department of NHA Caraga, emphasized that upon implementation of the Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, the NHA also issued Memorandum Circular 2024-058, which prioritizes solo parents in availing the housing program with liberal payment terms provided that solo parent-applicants passed the requirements and their annual income is below poverty line as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
“As to qualifications, applicants must be 18 years old and above; should have an official solo parent ID issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or any local social welfare office. They should not be a previous housing awardee in other housing programs of other government agencies to prevent duplication; and no land holding. These are the basic qualifications that applicants must comply with upon their application for a house and lot,” explained Caguindangan.
She also clarified that once the solo parent-applicant will be granted or awarded with his/her lot, they should conform with the conditions set by NHA, such as -- the house should serve as a residential infrastructure and not commercial or business; it can’t be sold to other people or transfer the land title or ownership to other persons within ten years from the date of acquisition.
“This is to ensure that solo parents could really have a home of their own which is safe and secure for their family,” she said.
“For the liberal payment scheme, they could pay the total amount through outright cash or installment payment without interest for 12 months. They could also have it through lease purchase agreement considering that there might be solo parents who can yet afford to pay the full amount. So, the NHA has different ways or means in helping them pay the amount at their convenience,” underscored Caguindanan.
The NHA also stressed that once the homeowner-beneficiaries found to have violated any of the stipulated rules or guidelines, the agency will intervene and take the necessary appropriate action.
“Should you have concerns with NHA, please feel free to visit our office and rest assured that we will help you in any way possible,” she said.
NHA is a government agency responsible for public housing. It focuses on providing decent, affordable, and quality housing for Filipino beneficiaries, aiming to create inclusive and resilient communities. (JPG, PIA Caraga)