By Robbie Pangilinan

Tacloban City – Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez reported that 12,545 housing units are almost fully constructed for the survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

The city was the hardest hit by the typhoon in November 8, 2013, which killed thousands and destroyed houses and other properties.

The Mayor thanked President Rodrigo Duterte in a letter, for the 10,734 houses that are now occupied by the surviving families.

“On behalf of the City of Tacloban, I am personally thanking you for the swift action on building the housing for Yolanda victims and relocation program,” said Romualdez in the letter, highlighting the vital role that Michael Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Visayas played in setting the tone and pace of the rehabilitation efforts. Romualdez commended Dino for hurdling the bureaucratic red tape and mobilizing government agencies.

The mayor also thanked the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) headed by Secretary Mark Villar for providing for the water requirements of the relocation sites in cooperation with Leyte Metropolitan Water District. 

As of Sept. 30, 2017, the remaining 1,811 housing are under construction.

Meanwhile, a big event commemorating the Leyte Gulf Landing will be held on October 20 with invited celebrities such as Janella Salvador, I Love Tacloban Band, Succubus, Yssa Romano, Jive Dancers, Tacloband Band and DJ Ken Almaria.

Retired Lt General now USEC Arthur Tabaquero  will represent President Duterte, and ambassadors of the United States Australia, New Zealand and Japan will grace the 73rd Leyte Landing Commemoration.

The three-day Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 23 to 25, 1944, is the largest naval battle in the Pacific and in history, spanning 100,000 square miles of sea. The battle fulfilled the famous words of US Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur, “I shall return,” which he promised after leaving the country to gather support in Australia to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.