Bohol First District Congressman Atty. Edgar M. Chatto on Friday lauded the near-completion of a government-funded housing project that will relocate 80 families from island communities in Tubigon, Bohol, severely affected by rising sea levels due to climate change.
The P60-million project, originally pegged at P50 million and facilitated through Chatto’s office, will provide permanent homes to climate-displaced families from Tubigon’s island barangays.
The project, located on a 7,842.22 square-meter site in Barangay Genonocan, is seen as a model for climate adaptation in coastal provinces.
“We are very thankful to the National Housing Authority, especially General Manager Joeben Tai and NHA Bohol Manager Genesis Manalili, for making this vision a reality,” Chatto said in a statement. “This is a major step forward in protecting our people from the long-term impacts of climate change.”
Each of the 80 beneficiaries will receive a rowhouse with a 28.40 square meter floor area on a 40 square meter lot.
The relocation site features concrete roads, reinforced concrete drainage systems, and sanitary facilities.
Plans for a basketball court, tricycle terminal, materials recovery facility, and a public market (talipapa) are also included to support the resettled community’s daily needs and livelihoods.
The project is implemented in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Tubigon, led by Mayor William Jao and Vice Mayor Rene Villaber, with technical support from housing consultant Joseph Leo Lagorra.
“This is not just a housing project—it is a climate justice initiative that ensures families displaced by rising seas can live with dignity and security,” Chatto noted.r
Chatto’s relocation effort shows the growing urgency of adaptation measures in archipelagic and low-lying areas of the Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.