The First Philippine Industrial Park, an economic zone developer led by the Lopez Group, recently broke ground in Agoncillo, Batangas to mark the launch of the Sulong Batangas housing project. The initiative, aimed at providing homes for 150 indigent families displaced by Typhoon Kristine in October 2024, is a collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and the FPIP.
The project, estimated to cost P45 million, will construct 150 houses on a one-hectare lot donated by the Agoncillo LGU. Each house will occupy a 50-square-meter lot valued at P300,000. The displaced families, many of whom have been living in temporary shelters for months, will be the beneficiaries of the new homes.
Batangas governor Hermilando Mandanas, Agoncillo mayor Cinderella Valenton-Reyes, and FPIP vice president Ricky Carandang spearheaded the project. FPIP is actively raising funds from private donors, including FPIP locators, with 32 units already committed. Non-profit organization Gawad Kalinga has also joined the initiative to oversee the construction and community development efforts.
“This is FPIP’s way of showing support to both proactive LGUs and our fellow Batanguenos,” Carandang said. The project also sees personal contributions from local leaders and businesses, including Batangueno entrepreneur James Chan and the Lima Estate. The ongoing drive aims to help more victims rebuild their homes and restore their lives.
