Rama wants idle lots for socialized housing

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor and council’s committee on housing to conduct an inventory of city lots that are idle but can be developed into sites for socialized housing.

He also wants to partner with real property developers, government agencies and even non-government organizations like Gawad Kalinga who maybe able to assist them in building structures, preferably condominium units, for the city’s homeless people.

To benefit from this are illegal settlers occupying private and government lots who are threatened with eviction anytime. He said, though, that informal settlers in danger areas like in creeks and rivers are not in the top priority for beneficiaries.

He specifically enjoined Councilors Alvin Dizon, chairman of the committee on housing, Councilor Jose Daluz III, Councilor Noel Wenceslao, Consultant to the Mayor Margarita Matheu who will work with the DWUP and Cebu City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete.

Rama said he wants to know how many of the city’s idle lots can be developed into housing sites and how many are considered not livable.

He initially eyed the Citicenter Commercial Complex in barangay Kamagayan which the city government has recently acquired.

Rama is eyeing a “village at the heart of the city” in the 7,281-square meter Citicenter. He wants to change the ambiance of the place or change its image from allegedly being a center of illegal drug trade to a place ideal for living.

He is optimistic that it is possible with the help of private partners and hopefully Vice President Jejomar Binay, the chairman of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

HUDCC is the umbrella organization of the National Housing Authority and other key shelter agencies.

He is looking at the possibility of asking the National Government to finance the construction of the condominium-type buildings while the City Government will provide the lot. (FREEMAN)