Quezon City eyes NIA housing turnover in 2027

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government is expected to complete the onsite housing project for thousands of NIA Road fire victims by the end of 2027.

In a statement, the city government said more than 1,600 of the 2,332 affected families have already been issued certifications confirming that they would be awarded housing units in the planned vertical housing development.

The city added that more than 200 families have expressed intention to transfer to in-city housing offered by the local government and National Housing Authority, while another 200 have opted for off-city relocation.

“Everyone can be assured that legitimate residents of the affected community along NIA Road will be the primary beneficiaries of the housing project,” city hall said.

“The (onsite) project is expected to be completed within 18 months and is targeted for turnover and distribution to residents by December 2027,” it added.

While the vertical housing project is ongoing, the city said rental subsidies would be provided for the families included in the program.

Templates of lease contracts, a Department of Social Welfare and Development requirement for rental subsidies, are being distributed to qualified beneficiaries.

“The city continues to coordinate with the community regarding the possible extension of the use of evacuation centers to support families while they are still searching for suitable housing,” city hall added.

According to the local government, more than P100 million had been distributed as integrated financial assistance and rental subsidy to the affected families.

Homeowners were provided with P60,000, while renters and sharers received P35,000.

On Thursday, 20 members of the Quezon City Police District were reportedly injured when violence occurred during the clearing operations in the area. At least seven people were arrested.

City hall condemned the incident and expressed gratitude to the police for exercising maximum tolerance.

“There is no place for violence and disorder in our city. Such incident not only endanger the lives of our citizens but also hinder the proper implementation of the housing project for affected residents,” the local government said.

It alleged that the unrest was instigated by “certain individuals with personal interests,” including illegal lessors and previous housing beneficiaries who had already been relocated and are no longer qualified for the program.

“We cannot allow the interests of a few to prevail over the welfare of the majority. Through proper dialogue, the majority of residents have already expressed support for the housing project,” the city government said.