Dizon hopes Binay will help Apas urban poor

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council supported the request of the urban poor residents in Barangay Apas for Vice President Jejomar Binay to help them avail of the law authorizing occupants of government lots to purchase them if they have occupied the lots for more than 10 years already.

Councilor Alvin Dizon explained that based on the provisions of Republlic Act 10023 that was approved by then President Arroyo in March 9, 2010, the members of the Nagkahiusang Managsilingan Homeowners Association are entitled to purchase the lots they are occupying.

The new law provides that any Filipino citizens who are actual occupants of residential lands may apply for a title of his occupied lot with a very minimal fee from the government, through the Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

The officials of Barangay Apas also endorsed the request of said urban poor residents for them to fully own their lots.

The lots that are being occupied by the members of the Nagkahiusang Managsilingan (United Neighbors) Homeowners Association used to be a military reservation, but it was not used for military purposes.

The two-year old law, which aimed to help the urban poor, may also be availed by less fortunate individuals in other government lands that are zoned as residential areas.

However, the document that was submitted to the City Council did not state how many members the said urban poor homeowners association has.

The concerned urban poor residents asked Vice President Binay to help them avail of that law being the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Dizon is hopeful that the Vice President will not fail the urban poor residents.

In HUDCC official website, the country’s second top ranking official said he is also hoping that he can help every Filipino family, the poor in particular, realize their dream of having a decent and affordable home.  (FREEMAN)