A total of 1,992 Yolanda permanent housing units with open spaces for community facilities, and a multi-purpose covered court with training rooms were turned-over to the first 300 beneficiary - informal settler families, among them senior citizens and persons with disabilities, relocated from various barangays in Silay City in simple ceremonial rites at the relocation site in Barangay E. Lopez last February 18, 2019 by the National Housing Authority led by NHA Bacolod Manager Engr. Alejandro Ongsuco.

Yolanda housing turn-over in Silay. (left to right) Silay Housing Officer Raymund Eslawa, Mayor Mark Golez, beneficiary Herman Larida of Guimbalaon, Councilors Linda Caja & Mildred Garay, Third District Housing Coordinator Marie June Castro, Fire Marshall Joveln Zamar, and CENECO Engr. Francis Aurelio.

Engr. Ongsuco turned over to Silay Mayor Mark Golez a miniature Yolanda housing unit replica who then turned over the ceremonial key to Nora Sigaton of Barangay 3, representing the families.

The first batch of informal settler families to receive their permanent housing units are from Barangays, 2, 3, 5, Balaring, Bagtic, E. Lopez, Hawaiian Central, Guinhalaran, Lantad and Patag. Qualified to participate in the program are families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda, as well as those living before in high risk areas and danger zones.

As he congratulated the recipients and all those who made possible the program implementation, Mayor Golez also urged beneficiaries to form a homeowners association and ensure accreditation from the City Government so they can avail of more development programs. and assistance.

Congressman Alfredo Benitez who chairs the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development, in a message relayed by District Coordinator for Housing Marie June Castro, lauded the decision of beneficiaries to accept the Yolanda Housing, thus moving their families from danger zones and giving their children a safe and decent shelter for a brighter future and have the opportunity for security of tenure.

Also present were Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Commissioner for Visayas Romeo Jandugan, leading the local PCUP staff, Central Negros Electric Cooperative Joselito Gaston and CENECO Silay Area Manager Lilibeth Gabian, Silay Police Director Noel Polines Silay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Alex Muñoz, Silay Fire Marshall Senior Inspector Jovelin Zamar, Councilor Linda Caja who chairs the SP Committee on Housing, Councilor Mildred Garay and other Silay officials. *