MANILA, Philippines — The government has approved the allocation of P14 million for the construction of 350 housing units for members of the Aeta community in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Jejomar C. Binay said that this is part of the National Housing Authority's (NHA) housing program for Indigenous Peoples (IP).

“Initially, we have allocated P14 million for this project for the construction of 350 housing units for members of Aeta community,” said Binay in his speech during the eighth leg of the Pabahay Caravan in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Tuesday.

Binay said the housing project will benefit the Tribung Ayta ng Nabuklod (TAN) association, whose members are residents of Floridablanca, Pampanga.

The provincial government of Pampanga earlier expressed its intention to resettle around 3,000 homeless Aetas.

Binay said aside from housing, HUDCC will also tap the private sector to provide jobs and livelihood opportunities for IPs near their housing sites.

“We will be focusing more on livelihood opportunities for them,” Binay said.

In his dialog with local officials, planning officers and housing program heads of Region I, Binay said the HUDCC will work closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the effective implementation of housing projects for indigenous communities, government employees, and constituents.