March 21, 2025 | Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante led the groundbreaking and MOA signing for ILAP for the benefit of Friends Rescued (FRs) at Sitio Talaganahaw, Brgy. Talo-ao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Multiple agencies committed to signing the housing program for Friends Rescued, including TESDA-ADN, PENR headed by Joseph Leo E. Oconer RPF, 23rd IB Commander LTC Chris C. Baloran, 402nd IB Commander BGEN Adolfo B. Epuelas Jr., 544 ECB Commander LTC Ricky N. Baguio, ADNPPO PCOL April C. Young, Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, LGU Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble, Brgy. Talo-ao Captain Hon. Abelardo S. Cañete, and OPAPRU ADN Representative Ms. Anne Marie Uytico.

Provincial Engineer Rosario described the project, which will involve the construction of a total of 123 housing units. The total lot area will be 80m², with each house covering 40m². Ten units will be built this year. OPAPRU has committed to provide P10 million for 18 units this year and another 38 housing units for 2026.

TESDA-ADN has committed to provide training for all Friends Rescued, particularly in carpentry and masonry. This will help them gain skills to contribute to building their own houses and improve their chances of finding employment. PENR has also pledged to provide logs for constructing the houses and will request funds from their Secretary for additional housing units.

Mayor Joselito T. Roble, ably represented by Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Ramon A. G. Bungabong, expressed his gratitude to all the agencies that helped make this program a reality. He also promised to ensure that the services of the LGU would be felt in the community. “Si Mayor Roble anaay programa nga Kumustahan sa Barangay nga nagdala ug mga libreng serbisyo sa tanan Barangay. Kami usab sa Sangguniang Bayan nagpahigayon ug Bisi-bisita sa Barangay once a month aron mahimamat ang mga katawhan.”

On the other hand, Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante expressed her joy at seeing the smiles of the Friends Rescued. “Pasensya kaayo if naa mi kakulangon sa inyoha sauna. Kami naningkamot nga mahatag among pagkukulang.” She then added, “Dili tamo pugson pag-puyo diri, if naa mo mga kaugalingon nga yuta, maski aha pana, atong balayan kay responsibilidad namo nga maserbisyohan kamo ug mamuyo nga malinawon.”

Governor Angel also disclosed that OPAPRU would donate for the concreting of roads starting from Sitio Talaganahaw. Meanwhile, the Province of Agusan del Norte will also provide a counterpart for the concreting of the road leading to the FR subdivision.

Ms. Roselle Polinar expressed her gratitude on behalf of all the Friends Rescued, saying, “Salamat kaayo, Gov., and sa mga agencies nga mi tabang aron matuman among pangandoy nga maka balay najud ug dili na magtago sa bukid.” She then added, “Maningkamot mi nga maka barog sa among kaugalingon nga malinawon aron amo pod ni ma-share sa uban pa sa bukid kung gi-unsa mi pag-pangga sa gobyerno.”

Brgy. Captain Hon. Abelardo S. Cañete closed the program and warmly welcomed the Friends Rescued to be part of their Barangay.

The event was attended by Sangguniang Bayan members, Brgy. Talo-ao officials, Brgy. Captains from Buenavista, and National Line Agencies for security.