City Hall, partners break ground for 4PH program

CEBU, Philippines — To address the 30,000 housing backlogs in Cebu City, the city government, in partnership with the National Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, marked the start of the construction of the 3,054-unit residential park in Barangay Pulangbato yesterday.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cebu City Residential Park yesterday, which was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the City Government, the developer, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

In an interview, Garcia said that the envisioned structure is part of the program of DHSUD, which aims to ease the payment methods for beneficiaries through the Pag-IBIG fund.

Garcia said the City Government’s role is to identify the list of beneficiaries.

The housing comes with a P4,386 monthly fee, featuring a rent-to-own scheme.

Garcia said the project is also intended to address the housing backlogs in Cebu City, which is estimated to be about 30,000 units.

“Dako pa kaayo ning trabahuon nato, I am just so happy nga we have already taken the first step,” said Garcia.

He said that the City Government has long determined the list of beneficiaries, even before the previous administrations.

These beneficiaries include those cleared from their private structures in line with the government's clearing efforts, as well as those living near the easements along the riversides. Other beneficiaries include the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Ang atong damgo, wala nay skywater kay sila tanan naka tag-iya na sa ilang kaugalingong balay,” said Garcia.

This residential park will be the first of its kind for Cebu City and the second project for the Visayas.

Garcia said that the problem of informal settlers is still among the most pressing concerns in Cebu City.

He added that this issue has become more evident amidst the continuation of the city’s efforts to clear the three-meter easements of the rivers, where informal settlers are blocking the waterway.

He added that this is part of the effort to provide informal settlers with decent and affordable homes that come without a down payment.

“Dako kaayo ni'g tabang para sa syudad sa Sugbo, especially the city government, kay maglisod man gyud mi pangita og housing kung asa namo sila ibutang dapita,” said Garcia.

He expressed optimism that the construction will be expedited, as the developer has promised to complete the two buildings in six months, which will already house 200 families.

He clarified that the project is at no cost to the city government.

With the midterm elections approaching, which may correspond to a change in leadership and administration, Garcia assured that the project will continue as it is already a private undertaking.

Garcia said that three more barangays will also accommodate additional 4PH housing projects, which are expected to cater to between 15,000 and 20,000 units.

“This will sell like pancakes,” Garcia added.

In a separate interview, DEO Homes chief executive officer Danilo Ortiz, the project contractor, assured that despite constructing the area near the quarry site, it is still secure, as the company has already obtained an environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“It is going to be two years at the most. In my ambition, I am going to do this in 15 months, because I love to do this as fast as we can,” said Ortiz, citing specific timelines for the project.

He added that he is advocating for the project since it is also teaching Filipinos the value of saving.

“All you have to do is enlist diha sa City all kay sila ang mu-qualify ninyo to become a beneficiary of the project,” Ortiz said.

As presented, the residential park will feature amenities such as an open park and picnic ground, outdoor jogging and walking path, children’s playground, basketball court, badminton court, tennis court, swimming pool, and a club house. -  JG (CEBU NEWS)