Cebu City should follow Mandaue City’s example in addressing the housing needs of the poor, Vice President Jejomar Binay said.
“Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes used the Socialized Housing Finance Corp. (in acquiring a lot in Paknaan for the relocation of Mahiga Creek and Butuanon River occupants). The same could be applied in Cebu City,” Binay said.
The 6.5 hectare relocation site costs P120 million but the 1,200 beneficiaries each paid P17,000 they received from the Mandaue city government as down payment for their lots.
Binay has been proposing the Community Mortgage Plan for Cebu City residents covered under Provincial Ordinance 93-1, a scheme he was pushing to solve the problem during the term of former governor Gwen Garcia.
Binay was in Mandaue City last Friday for the turnover of a P44 million check to the Lua family who owns the 6.5 hectare lot in barangay Paknaan.
Moving again
Binay said there are government financing institutions like the National Housing Authority, Pag-ibig, and SHFC which Cebu City could tap to provide housing assistance for its urban poor.
World Bank representatives also visited Mandaue City last week to observe the implementation of programs to improve the welfare of informal settlers.
“I think (93-1 negotiations are) moving again. It was put on hold because of considerations on how much should be paid (by the occupants) to the province of Cebu,” said Binay.
Binay said he sent his staff to the Capitol three weeks ago to follow up with Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and they were told about ongoing talks with the Cebu City government.
Mayor Michael Rama briefed councilors on the progress of 93-1 discussions with the Cebu provincial government in a meeting he called last week.
He announced the creation of a technical working committee that will spearhead discussions with their provincial counterparts.
The vice president said he would also check with the NHA on the status of Cebu City Hall’s P78 million loan application to finance two medium rise urban poor condominium units at the old Lorega cemetery./ Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac and Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza