Some 150 families residing in the Herrera province wrote a new chapter in their lives by receiving the keys to their new homes from the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, and moving from houses with dirt floors, makeshift walls, and wood or zinc roofs to a new dignified home to continue growing and improving their lives. The symbolic delivery took place this Thursday, January 8, during the inauguration and opening ceremony of the Chitré ring road interchange, as part of President Mulino's first working day in the country's interior in 2026. On this occasion, these families from the districts of Chitré, Las Minas, Ocú, Pesé, Los Pozos, Parita, and Santa María were given the key that opens a new stage of construction and improvement for the members of their households. President Mulino, who presided over this event accompanied by his wife, Maricel Cohen de Mulino; Minister Juan Carlos Orillac, and other members of his team, highlighted that this type of work, both restored and new, is not just about delivering them and finishing what others left unfinished, but about fulfilling commitments to all Panamanians. The head of state recognized the people's satisfaction when life becomes easier with the homes they receive, the projects delivered, better health services, and new roads such as the rehabilitation and expansion of the Inter-American, which is soon to begin and will be another landmark project to facilitate transportation. At the conclusion of the event, the ruler reaffirmed to the families, producers, and authorities present that in his government they will have "an ally more to push the cart" and move forward with a successful 2026 and a great future for the country, with employment and an improved economy. The Minister of Housing and Territorial Planning (Miviot), Jaime Jované, stressed that the delivery of these social housing units is part of the government plan to provide dignified homes that guarantee low-income families access to basic services to improve their quality of life. He mentioned that the beneficiaries had lived in substandard housing, and with their new residences, they will now have a basic housing unit consisting of two bedrooms, a living-dining room, kitchen, laundry, and a hygienic bathroom with a septic biodigester system. This delivery, benefiting some 750 people including children and adults, cost over 3 million balboas, an investment that guarantees access to dignified and safe housing for vulnerable Panamanian families. The project included special adaptations for people with disabilities, incorporating adapted bathrooms and access ramps, ensuring accessibility and safety conditions. Additionally, the improvement of access roads, including sidewalks, streets, and gutters, facilitated mobility for the beneficiary communities.
