PH can't build 500,000 houses by 2016

MANILA - The Philippine government cannot build permanent houses for all residents who lost their homes during supertyphoon Yolanda in the next two years, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said Monday. Speaking to ANC, Singson said at least 500,000 houses were damaged or totally destroyed by the typhoon. "If we are going to build permanent houses for 500,000 families, there is no way the housing sector can build 500,000 houses in 2 years. So that is the problem," he said in an interview on ANC's News Now. The Cabinet official said the Philippines needs intermediate temporary shelters while permanent shelters are being constructed. He said some Yolanda survivors will have to live in bunkhouses and tents while the permanent homes are being built. "I would be very happy if 100,000 houses (are) produced in one year but minimum should be 40,000. This is within the year. That's pushing it," he said. Some Yolanda survivors are also not waiting for government to construct their homes but are willing to rebuild their homes on their own. In these cases, Singson said the government would just provide building materials so that the rebuilding will start.