National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai led the distribution of financial assistance worth P30.98 million to 3,258 families in Palawan whose houses were destroyed by Super Typhoon Odette, days before its second anniversary.

The two-day distribution on 4 and 5 December 2023 was also led by NHA Region IV Manager Roderick T. Ibañez and MIMAROPA Officer-in-Charge Engr. Maximo R. Cabasal.

"Tanggapin po ninyo ang munting halagang aming dala ngayong araw bilang pandagdag sa pagpapaayos ng inyong mga tahanan at sa iba pang gastusin. Hangad po namin sa NHA ang inyong kaligtasan at isang komportableng buhay," Tai said to the beneficiary-families.

Following the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. to prioritize the different government agencies' assistance to calamity-stricken families, GM Tai sped up the release of cash aid from the NHA's Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) to help families rebuild their homes.

Super Typhoon Odette made its first landfall in the Philippines on 16 December 2021 and was declared as the strongest typhoon that hit the country that year. It brought strong winds and heavy rain to the whole country; Palawan being one of the most affected provinces.

Palawan 1st District Rep. Edgardo Salvame represented by Public Assistance Officer II Mr. Zanie Seracarpio, Dumaran Mayor Richard Herrera, and Puerto Princesa City Administrator Atty. Arnel Pedrosa, representing Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, also joined the NHA in the respective events.

Apart from the EHAP distribution, the NHA also participated in the Lab for All service caravan of First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos on 5 December 2023 at the Provincial Capitol Convention Center in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

At the said event, NHA disseminated information on the agency's housing programs and GM Tai drew five housing units for the lucky beneficiaries at the caravan.

Such efforts are part of GM Tai's Build Better and More housing program — the NHA's commitment to help reach the President's dream of a Bagong Pilipinas.