Pangasinan wins award for anti-squatter program

LINGAYEN,Pangasinan– Pangasinan is this year’s grand champion in the Search for the LGU Best Practice Award in the Drive Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates.

Alvin Bigay, Pangasinan Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Officer,  received  the  award    Oct. 25 at Megamall Building in Mandaluyong City from Vice President Jejomar Binay, a Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chair.

He  said this is  a result of the provincial government’s effective and efficient programs in support to the mandates of Republic Act No. 7279 or Special Laws on Anti-Squatting.

He cited Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.’s long-term plan to provide more liveable communities in the province especially focused on the informal settlers living in danger areas such as shorelines, riverbanks and waterways, and other public places for a slum-free Pangasinan.

Based on data, there are at least 19,000 illegal settlers in Pangasinan, most of which live in the coastal areas, private lots or public lands.

Statistics show that in the 2005 to 2010 survey, Pangasinan posted a housing need of 89,277 units.

Aside from the plaque of recognition, the province received a cash prize of P100,000. -- LBI