By Christian Allister G. Tubadeza
The Indigo Subdivision was built with a multipurpose hall and an elevated water tank and each two-storey houses were also equipped with electricity and water utilities
TAYUM, Abra (PIA) — Abra families whose houses were damaged by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit Abra in July 2022 will soon have their own new houses.
A total of 126 free housing units located in a 17,000-square meter property of the local government unit Tayum in Barangay Basbasa were turned-over to the municipal government on August 19, 2025.
The project was realized through the partnership of the SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Foundation, and the Tayum LGU.
Aside from earthquake-affected families, those living in identified danger zones will be accommodated as beneficiaries of the housing project.
Each two-storey house with a kitchen and a comfort room is equipped with electricity and water utilities. The beneficiaries will not be charged with any rental fees, but they will shoulder the monthly electric and water bills.
Nenita Velasquez Brabat, a beneficiary from Gaddani, Tayum, shared in an interview that their house was totally damaged during the earthquake. She expressed gratitude as she can soon enjoy a structurally sound and safe house.
“Bungalow diay balay mi. Idi nagingined, totally damaged isu nga agyamanak met ah ta maysaak a napili nga maikkan ti balay ditoy Indigo Subdivision. Makaginawa kami tattan a pamilia,” Brabat said in an interview.
(Our bungalow house was totally damaged during the earthquake, so I am thankful because I was chosen a beneficiary here at Indigo Subdivision. This is a huge relief for my family.)
The blessing and turnover of the Indigo Housing Subdivision was led by SMDC VP for Business Planning and Development Sheila Ching, DHSUD Assistant Secretary Angelito Aguila, DHSUD-Cordillera Director Marvin Feraren, ANCOP Foundation President Bro. Rudy Gaspillo, Vice-Governor Anne Bersamin, Tayum Mayor Placido Eduarte Jr., and other stakeholders. (CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)
