Amaze by the initiative of the local government in making the Philippines’ largest in-city housing resettlement, representatives from the local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR) express their plan of replicating the Disiplina Village-Bignay (DV-Bignay) as the City Government of Valenzuela showcases its features and facilities during the Informal Settler Families (ISFs) Cluster Meeting and Site Tour.

Held at the DV- Bignay, October 25, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - NCR (DENR – NCR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and LGUs in NCR were toured in Bignay’s Daycare Center, health station, model units, mini park, basketball court, and community fishpond and vegetable farm.

According to Ms. Elenita Reyes, head of the City Housing and Resettlement Office (HRO), the LGUs in NCR expressed their astonishment and interest of replicating Valenzuela City’s in-city housing project.

 “Naging interesting sa kanila kung paano nag-umpisa [at] kung paano ini-implement ng Valenzuela ‘yung resettlement ng ISFs. Na-amaze sila doon sa project kasi halos lahat nandoon na. (They became interested on how the housing project started and how the city implemented the resettlement among the ISFs. They were also amazed on the program because almost all the basic facilities needed were already available within the area),” she said.

“In short naging interesado sila. Hindi man totally magaya pero ‘yung way kung paano ginawa ng Valenzuela especially ‘yung policy, gusto nilang ipatupad (In short, they became interested. They may not totally replicate what Valenzuela did, but the policy created, they want to apply it as well),” she added.

The Disiplina Village-Bignay has a total area of 11.13 hectares with 104 buildings that can accommodate 3, 702 informal settler families (ISFs). It is built with a 3S (Sentro ng Sama-samang Serbisyo) Center, daycare centers, health station, police community precinct, fire sub-station, barangay hall, elementary and national high schools, activity center, covered courts, mini park, community fishpond and vegetable farm. Infrastructures like the public market, chapel and transport terminal are still under construction.

Just recently, the Valenzuela City has obtained its third Galing Pook Award due to its outstanding Displina Village housing project.