Pacquiao: Don’t pay anything but help build your house

GLAN, Sarangani (July 31, 2012) – Homeless villagers in barangay Tango cheered wildly as Congressman Manny Pacquiao, who had spent part of his childhood here, announced that beneficiaries of his housing project don’t have to pay anything except that they must help build their own houses.

GLAN, Sarangani (July 31, 2012) - Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Charlito Ayco, Habitat for Humanity CEO, lead the laying of capsule as witnessed by Governor Migs Dominguez and Mayor Victor James Yap during the ground breaking of the congressman’s housing project in partnership with Habitat Tuesday, July 31, in Purok 4, barangay Tango. 195 housing units will be constructed for homeless constituents in the barangay. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

The congressman was introduced as a former resident of Tango, having been schooled at Tango Elementary School and has scores of relatives and close friends in the village, including the barangay captain.

“Your problem to pay P250 a month? You don’t have to pay anymore. Just help build your house here,” Pacquiao told a crowd of housing beneficiaries and residents who waited for him in the drizzling high noon.

His announcement was met by a long, loud cheering and applause by the community of Blaan and Cebuano families.

“Just help Habitat for Humanity in building your own house,” he repeated.

“However when you already own the lot, don’t sell it

When you sell it, where will you live? You will be squatters again,” the congressman reminded them.

“Don’t forget that this housing project, I bought this with my bout with Margarito. In my fight with Margarito, I was hit here,” Pacquaio said jokingly, pointing at his right side.

In November 14, 2010, Pacquiao proved beyond a doubt in his super welterweight championship fight against Antonio Margarito – “that size doesn't matter as much as speed and quickness. And heart,” the USA TODAY reported.

“Pacquiao, 17 pounds lighter than Margarito at the opening bell, had too much of everything for Margarito and won going away at Cowboys Stadium before a raucous crowd of 41,734 and extended his record eight different weight divisions in which he has won world championships. Nobody else has more than six,” USA TODAY added.

“Congressman Pacquiao you have touched 195 lives today, maraming salamat,” said Gov. Migs Dominguez.

The governor also said that in Glan, more than 25 hectares of resettlement sites have been established with Mayor Victor James Yap.

Mayor Yap said the construction of 195 houses would start soon here.

Barangay Captain Edwin Pacaldo said the relocation site would be called Pacman-Tata Yap Village.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Pacaldo disclosed that “our congressman grew up here in our barangay.”

Pacaldo said Pacquiao came back to help homeless constituents own a decent house and lot.

The village chief said Habitat would build 200 houses here. Ten houses were already undergoing construction.

Pacquaio was building two housing projects in Tango. The lot in Purok 1, Tango proper, was worth P1.5 million with a barangay government counterpart of P750,000 and another P750,000 from the congressman. There are 94 beneficiaries in Purok 1.

Pacaldo said that for the housing project that broke ground here, Congressman Pacquiao spent P2 million from his own pocket for the lot. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Serafin Ramos Jr./SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Congressman Manny Pacquiao discusses some points with Governor Migs Dominguez during the short program at the ground breaking ceremony of the housing project of the congressman Tuesday, July 31, in barangay Tango implemented by Habitat for Community. For more news and updates, please visit the Province of Sarangani . (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)