In a significant victory for Cebuano typhoon victims, Governor Pamela Baricuatro has successfully secured the release of P712 million in housing assistance that was previously stalled due to disagreements between government agencies.
Years-Long Battle Finally Resolved
The National Housing Authority (NHA) has officially approved Governor Baricuatro's appeal to redirect the substantial housing fund back to Cebu province. The assistance was originally intended for victims of Super Typhoon Odette that devastated the region in December 2021 but had been returned to the national budget.
Governor Baricuatro emphasized her commitment to affected Cebuanos in her November 18, 2025 letter addressed to NHA General Manager Joeben A. Tai through NHA 7 Manager Engr. Hermes Jude D. Juntilo. She stated that despite the years that had passed since the catastrophic typhoon, the people of Cebu deserved to receive what was rightfully theirs.
Confirmation of Approval Received
The breakthrough came on the evening of November 19, 2025, when Governor Baricuatro received a phone call confirming the approval of her request. Capitol Information Officer Ainjeliz Orong announced the positive development, marking the end of a prolonged dispute between the previous Capitol administration and NHA Region 7.
The conflict had centered on the distribution method for the assistance. The NHA preferred direct distribution to 72,209 households identified by the Office of Civil Defense, with each qualified household receiving P10,000 in aid. Meanwhile, the previous provincial administration had implemented distribution through the Dasig Sugbo Card system.
Smooth Distribution Promised
Governor Baricuatro has assured the public that the distribution process will be conducted efficiently and without the complications that previously plagued the assistance program. The P712 million fund will provide crucial financial support to families still recovering from the devastating effects of Super Typhoon Odette nearly four years after the disaster struck.
This resolution represents a major accomplishment for the current administration and brings long-awaited relief to thousands of Cebuano families who have been waiting for the assistance they were promised in the aftermath of one of the most destructive typhoons to hit the province.
