Residential units for informal settlers set to open in Lorega

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government has set the opening of the two five-storey medium-rise residential buildings (MRBs) in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel on June 29, 2022.

Lawyer Janeses “Jade” Ponce, chairman of the local housing board and head of the city’s Land Management Bureau, said they are currently finalizing the tenancy contract.

 “We are now finalizing the tenancy contract because it is going to be like a lease,” said Ponce.

The Lorega-San Miguel residential building is a joint project of city government and Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI). The private developer spent P115-million in the construction.

The 1,350-square meter property, where the buildings are constructed, is owned by the city government.

To finalize the contract for the units, the city has been meeting with the CLI, Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP), Task Force Lorega, and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).

Among the group’s proposal is a monthly lease of P1,000 for each unit.

“The city is not earning profit from this. We are not in the business of business. Our business is service,” said Ponce.

In addition, the group suggested that the future tenants should be willing to take part in livelihood trainings and seminars that the city will hold in the MRB.

Ponce said that they are considering for the MRBs to begin receiving actual occupants at least three months after the opening ceremony this June 29.

This, as the period will be utilized to finalize the guidelines and assess the applicants for the units.

Ponce also mentioned that the city is pursuing more MRBs to house informal settlers and those living near waterways and other danger zones.

He said the construction of such buildings is among Mayor Michael Rama’s priority projects.

Ponce added that they are also considering developing other city-owned lands and properties.

Currently, the LMO is working on the paperworks for the city government to secure actual titles to lands and properties that are under its name but are not titled.

“Our emphasis now is to build homes for the homeless. Ug the city has a lot of properties nga wala pa natitulohan,” said Ponce. — FPL (FREEMAN)