‘Sulong Batangas’ proponents led by Mayor Cinderella Valenton-Reyes of Agoncillo (2nd from left) prepare to lay the time capsule during a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the free housing project. Also in photo are (l-r) Agoncillo Vice Mayor Daniel Reyes, Batangas provincial administrator Wilfredo Racelis, FPIP vice president Ricky Carandang, Gawad Kalinga representative Julie Paradero and businessman James ChanTwo local government units (LGUs) in Batangas and First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) have launched a project to provide new houses for more than a hundred indigent families who lost their homes during the onslaught of typhoon Kristine last year.

Proponents of the project, called “Sulong Batangas,” held a groundbreaking ceremony March 12, 2025, in the town of Agoncillo to mark the start of construction of the free houses. Sulong Batangas aims to gather funds and other resources for the construction of 150 housing units at an estimated total cost of P45 million.

The houses, each occupying a 50-square meter lot and costing P300,000, will be awarded to families who were displaced when Kristine barreled through Batangas and other areas of Luzon in late October 2024.

Batangas Gov. Dodo Mandanas, through provincial administrator Wilfredo Racelis, initiated the project along with Mayor Cinderella ValentonReyes of Agoncillo and with FPIP officials led by vice president Ricky Carandang.

Under the project, the Agoncillo LGU donated a one-hectare lot as site for the free housing project. As the main private sector representative, FPIP will organize a campaign to raise funds from other private entities, including FPIP locators. As of March 12, 32 units have already been committed by various donors.

“This is FPIP’s way of showing support not only to our proactive LGUs but also to our fellow Batangueños,” Carandang said.

Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation has joined the project with a commitment to build the housing units and oversee its community development aspects. Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, Valenton-Reyes and Agoncillo Vice Mayor Daniel Reyes likewise extended help to the project in their personal capacities. Other proponents of the project included Batangueño businessman James Chan, Lima Estate and several other individuals.

According to ValentonReyes, more than 400 poor families in Agoncillo lost their homes to Kristine. The Sulong Batangas project, which is an ongoing drive for donations, aims to help more typhoon victims in Agoncillo build their new homes.

(Story by:Joel Gaborni)