Gwen wants Minglanilla housing project fast-tracked

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia wants to expedite the socialized housing project in Barangay Tunghaan, Minglanilla town.

In a news release by Sugbo News, the official news leg of the Cebu Provincial Public Information Office (PIO), it was reported that Garcia has met with Eng. Giomaar Navaja of 77 Living Spaces, the developer of the housing project.

Garcia reportedly spoke to Navaja of her desire to fast-track the program so it “doesn’t remain a dream project.”

They have agreed to hand over the processing and securing of developmental permits, building permits, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board registration, and individual titling to the Cebu Provincial Real Estate Division.

Navaja, for his part, said the program is feasible owing to the partnership of The Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-IBIG) and 77 Living Spaces.

The housing project is intended for employees of the province.

Navaja said they will stick to the stipulation of Batas Pambansa (BP) 220 rules and standards stating that 15 percent of all projects will go to socialized housing.

Navaja also suggested various adjustments to the program, such as making the lot sizes smaller (from 50 square meters to 43 square meters), to utilize the existing water tank used by Gawad Kalinga (GK) and waterline rather than setting up a new one, and to use the existing amenities of GK such as the function hall and basketball court to avoid creating new open spaces.

He also reached out to Pag-IBIG Fund for aid on the transfer of ownership.

Paulino Talacay, Pag-IBIG Central Visayas manager, has reportedly already given his commitment to the housing project. Socialized housing is one of the marching orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“He (Talacay) shared that PAG-IBIG Fund provides socialized housing loans of up to P580,000 in a horizontal housing project with an interest rate of 3 percent per annum. With this, qualified borrowers will only pay P2,445.30 in monthly amortization,” Sugbo TV reported. (FREEMAN)