KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO- The administration of Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. has intensified its efforts to address the long-standing housing concerns in the province, placing at the forefront of its development agenda the implementation of the “Pabahay” housing program.
The initiative aims to provide safe, secure, and convenient homes to thousands of informal settlers across South Cotabato.
According to Project Development Officer IV Jennifer G. Ilao, a total of 13,311 informal settlers have been identified and prioritized under the province-wide housing project.
“The data, gathered through coordinated surveys and validation efforts with local government units, highlights the scale of the housing challenge facing the province,” she said.
Of the total identified beneficiaries, 12,466 families are currently residing in hazard-prone areas.
These include communities located near riverbanks, flood-prone zones, landslide-susceptible areas, and other environmentally vulnerable locations.
Provincial officials emphasized that these families are among the top priorities of the housing initiative due to the immediate risks to their safety and well-being.
Meanwhile, 254 individuals are undergoing the tenurial process, referring to those who are in the process of securing legal rights to the land they occupy.
“Another 82 individuals have been classified as homeless, lacking any form of permanent shelter. These groups are also included in the priority list for relocation and housing assistance,” Ilao explained.
The Pabahay program, a flagship initiative of the Tamayo Administration, seeks not only to construct houses but also to develop sustainable communities.
The provincial government underscored that the project will integrate essential services such as access to potable water, electricity, road networks, drainage systems, and proximity to schools and health facilities.
“The administration aims to ensure that beneficiaries are not merely relocated but are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in stable and supportive environments,” she said.
PPDO further revealed that the housing project is designed to be implemented across all municipalities in the province, including Koronadal City, which serves as the provincial capital. Each town is expected to identify suitable sites for housing development in coordination with provincial and national government agencies.
“Governor Tamayo’s administration has emphasized that collaboration with municipal mayors, barangay officials, and relevant housing agencies will be critical in ensuring the smooth rollout of the program,” Ilao said.
Public consultations, beneficiary validation, and compliance with environmental and land-use regulations are among the steps being undertaken to ensure transparency and sustainability.
PPDO also noted that informal settlements have long been a concern in the province due to rapid population growth, urban migration, and limited access to affordable housing.
Many families have been compelled to settle in unsafe areas due to economic constraints. Through the Pabahay program, the provincial government aims to significantly reduce the number of families exposed to environmental hazards while promoting inclusive development.
The Tamayo Administration reaffirmed its commitment to making housing a cornerstone of its governance agenda. By prioritizing more than 13,000 informal settlers, the province hopes to pave the way for safer communities, improved quality of life, and long-term socio-economic stability for its residents.
As implementation progresses, provincial leaders expressed optimism that the housing project will not only provide shelter but also restore dignity and security to thousands of families across South Cotabato.
