World Bank, cities to visit relocation site

CEBU, Philippines -  Representatives coming from World Bank and seven cities will be having their community visit to the 6.5-hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City tomorrow.

Officials from the seven cities that are joining the said activity are representatives coming from the sixth district of Quezon City, Caloocan City, Muntinlupa City, Marikina City, Malabon City, Valenzuela City and Davao City.

They will also be joined by representatives from the World Bank and officials of the Socialized Housing Finance Corporation.

Leopoldo Chavez Jr., the president of the relocation's management council, said the community visit is part of learning exchanges of the "City-wide  Development  Approach Program" funded by the World Bank.

The program is aimed at upgrading and improving the living conditions of a city based on land development, road right of way and socialized housing through a collaborative effort of the community, stakeholders and the city.

So far, there are only two cities in the Philippines which have implemented the city-wide development approach, namely Mandaue City and Iloilo City.

The visitors are not only set to visit the 6.5-hectare relocation site but are also expected to meet with officials from   Lower Tipolo Homeowners Association Inc., Canduman Homeowners Association Inc. and Canduman Haven Homeowners Association Inc.

 After the visit to the different housing development sites in the city, a memorandum of understanding will be signed by representatives of the World Bank, the Mandaue City government and the Socialized Housing Finance Corporation to support the City-wide Development Approach to be held at the Oakridge Park in Barangay Banilad.

The event will be witnessed by Vice President Jejomar Binay.  (FREEMAN)