City to settle Lorega public housing issues

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government will work to resolve delays in the Lorega Medium-Rise Building (MRB) project, aiming to finally provide permanent housing for displaced families, this according to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.

The Lorega MRB was launched in 2019 with a ?227.9 million budget to build five-story tenement housing for families affected by fires, demolitions, and flood-control projects.

Construction began in 2021, but by mid-2024 the project was only 48% complete, leaving hundreds of families still living in barangay gyms and classrooms.

One building, Walk-up Sugbo 1, was completed and expected to house about 100 families.

Built by Cebu Landmasters Inc., it was supposed to be turned over in 2022.

The second building, however, remains unfinished due to documentation problems and unspecified contractor complaints.

Archival acknowledged the setbacks but said his administration is determined to complete the project.

“Hopefully, okay na ang documentation and complaints so we can push through. By then, families can already move into the units,” he said in his latest press conference.

Archival also admitted that permanent housing for victims of recent typhoons may take time, given the scale of damage and the need for land acquisition.

For now, he said the city’s priority is to set up better temporary shelters.

Many typhoon victims are currently staying in evacuation centers such as barangay gyms, classrooms, and covered courts, where conditions remain cramped and inadequate.

Archival emphasized that while permanent relocation is the ultimate goal, improving these temporary facilities is urgent.

Beyond Lorega, Archival said the city is reviewing land availability for additional MRBs, including properties tied to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

While approvals have been secured, the transfer of land ownership remains a hurdle.

“It’s just a matter of signing… The specifications require that the land be transferred to us first. That’s where the delay lies,” Archival explained.

The NGCP property in Talamban has long been eyed for socialized housing, but jurisdictional hurdles must be resolved before construction can begin.

Archival said once land transfers are completed, up to three more MRBs could rise to accommodate displaced families. — (FREEMAN)