City to purchase 93-1 lots

CEBU, Philippines- Good news for occupants of 93-1 lots in Cebu City.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Mayor Michael Rama have agreed last week to sign an agreement for City Hall to purchase province-owned lots in Cebu City covered under Provincial Ordinance 93-1.

Rama has already instructed Collin Rosell, head of the city’s Division for the Welfare and Urban Poor, to fast-track the drafting of the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Once the agreement is completed and scrutinized by the executive department, it will be forwarded to the City Council for approval.

“If it is reasonable approve it, but if unreasonable reject (it) if assuming it will lead towards a tranquil and harmonious tomorrow,” Rama said, addressing the council members.

“We have to continue with this endeavor; loving each other in terms of service will redound to benefits for our people. This is now the talking terms,” he said.

The amount has been included in this year’s annual appropriation, with P300 million intended for the development of the properties and the remaining P200 million for lot procurement.

Rama, though, declined to divulge the finer points of the agreement, but he assured that it will lead towards a “workable and feasible” undertaking.

Provincial Ordinance 93-1 was approved in 1993 to provide a scheme for residents to pay monthly amortizations for them to own the property. Majority, though, either failed to or did not complete payment of their monthly obligations until the due date elapsed, and the province has already threatened to kick them out, affecting 5,000 families.

When current 3rd district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia was governor, she negotiated with then mayor Tomas Osmeña for exchange of properties, with the city government taking over the responsibility of having the residents pay in full.

Negotiations, however, fell through.  Rama revived the negotiations with Garcia when he became mayor in 2010 and continues to do so with the administration of Davide, a former Cebu City councilor.

At least 19 homeowners associations from different Cebu City barangays have already signed an agreement for the sale of 93-1 lots with a total area of 155,979.41 square meters.

They agreed for Pag-Ibig Fund to help them pay for the lots so the Capitol would no longer be the one collecting the monthly dues from the residents.  (FREEMAN)