Binay breaks ground for Argao housing project

CEBU, Philippines - Seven months after Vice President Jejomar Binay launched the Pabahay Caravan in Cebu, the program has started to bear fruit.

Yesterday, Binay led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Argao District Employees Housing Project in Barangay Binlod.

It is a 4.5-hectare lot acquired by the local government of Argao to be developed by a Manila-based developer recommended by Pag-Ibig Fund, said Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos.

Argao is among the four LGUs in Cebu that signed a partnership with Pag-Ibig Fund in December to avail of the latter’s new Group Housing Loan Program for LGUs.

The others are Balamban, Dalaguete and Cebu City.

In his speech, Binay wished for other LGUs to be as enthusiastic as Galeos and the municipal council of Argao in providing housing for their employees.

“Sa buong Pilipinas, pinili namin ang Cebu na paglunsaran dahil alam namin na mas masigasig ang mga Cebuano kumilos lalung-lalo na kung ito ay makakatulong sa mga kababayan natin. Ug wala kami masayop,” Binay said. (We chose to launch the program in Cebu because we know that the Cebuanos are eager to act especially on projects that will benefit the people. And we were not wrong.)

Galeos said it has more than 600 lots at 40 square meters each equipped with road network, road-right-of-way, water system and electricity.

“At ngayon, matapos ang ilang buwang negosasyon at pag-aayos ng mga kaukulang dokumento, ay matutupad na ang pangarap ng mga kawaning lokal ng Argao,” Binay said. (After months of negotiations, the dream of the employees is now coming true.)

Binay said the housing project is a good model for collaboration and cooperation wherein the LGU initiated and negotiated among government agencies.

The National Housing Authority provided the technical assistance in making the subdivision plan, detailed engineering plan and others while Pag-ibig Fund is extending financial support through its Group Housing Loan Program for LGUs.

“These new housing units will not only contribute to the economic and social well-being of the entire community but will give hope to residents who need quality but affordable and safe housing,” Binay said.

Binay congratulated the town officials led by Galeos, the people and the housing agencies who worked so hard to make this project a reality.

“Your efforts are truly invaluable to the LGUs not only in the construction of affordable housing but also in the development of a sustainable community,” he said.

Binay also reminded the beneficiaries to take care of the houses and pay the necessary amortization as not all who wish to have their own house were given the same opportunity.

Galeos said that they will prioritize municipal employees and later expand the program to include their constituents as long as they are members of Pag-Ibig Fund.

Interest rates are very minimal at six percent per annum for a socialized housing unit worth P400, 000 and seven percent a year for a housing unit worth more than P400,000 up to P750,000.

Monthly amortization for a P400,000 housing unit is at P2,500 a month and P5,000 per month for more than P400,000 to P750,000 housing unit. (FREEMAN)