Ms. Ronadale Zapata
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ARROYO, DE CASTRO BRAVE RAINS IN NORTHVILLE  LAUNCHING
30 October 2005


DESPITE the bad weather, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice-President and concurrent Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chairman Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro attended the grand launching of Northville communities in Balagtas, Bulacan the other day.


LUCKY NORTHVILLE RELOCATEE. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice President and concurrent Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council  chairman Noli "Kabayan" De Castro congratulate one of the winners of a livelihood showcase during the program launch of eight Northville Communities in Balagtas, Bulacan.  President Arroyo
and Vice President De Castro raffled off eight tricycles and various livelihood and household showcases for the lucky relocatees. The Northville Communities are the resettlement sites provided by the government for families from Metro Manila and Bulacan affected by the North Rail Development Project. (10/30/05)

Determined to bring joy and laughter to residents of Northville communities, comprised of eight government relocation sites for railway families affected by the Northrail project in Bulacan, both Arroyo and De Castro braved the rains to ensure their presence in the program highlighted by a raffle of eight tricycles and various household showcases for the lucky winners.


No other than TV personality and comedian Willy Revillame made the occasion more memorable and fun for the former informal settlers both young and old who were treated to games, shows and other activities.


Also present during the affair were representatives from the local governments, non-government organizations, peoples’ organizations, key shelter agencies, and the private sector who are contributing a lot to the success of the national relocation program.


De Castro expressed his gratitude for mayors and leaders of different groups who played a vital role in the united and coordinated efforts to make the relocation program peaceful, efficient, and comfortable for the families.


“We have all the reason to celebrate today because our poor countrymen can no longer be called squatters.  This is a milestone in the history of the government housing program. Finally, the government is making a big difference by providing the homeless with their own houses after a very long time. I thank everybody who did share in making this program work for our less privileged brothers,” De Castro said.


The Vice-President said positive developments in the relocation program are keeping him inspired in pursuing the shelter thrust of the government. He said he would consider it his biggest challenge yet in his career as a public servant.


“Masaya na ako pagkatapos ng aking termino bilang inyong pangalawang pangulo kapag napatupad ko ng maayos ang programang pabahay ng pamahalaan. Ito na marahil ang aking ipamamana sa ating mga mahihirap na mamamayan kapag dumating ang panahon na kailangan ko ng iwanan ang serbisyo publiko.