City Needs to Approve P78M NHA Loan

The Cebu City Government needs to speed up the processing of its P78 million loan from the National Housing Authority (NHA) as the funds, if not released, will be reverted to the national government on December 31.

NHA 7 Regional Director Gavino Figuracion, who appeared before the City Council Wednesday, explained that the city government has to comply with all the documentary requirements soon.

One of the documents needed is the City Council’s authority empowering the mayor to sign the memorandum of agreement with NHA.

Councilor Alvin Dizon said the city’s plan is to use the loan for the construction of two four-storey medium rise buildings at the old cemetery in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel which can accommodate about 174 families that will be relocated from danger areas of the city, particularly those staying along the Mahiga Creek.

The beneficiaries of the project have the option to rent or purchase their unit on installment basis.

Most of the city councilors are in favor that the beneficiaries will only be allowed to rent their units as this would be much cheaper for them.

Collin Rosell, head of the Division for the Welfare of Urban Poor (DWUP) said that based on their study, the beneficiaries can afford to pay up to P5,000 monthly rental.

Lorega-San Miguel Barangay Captain Fritzgerald Herrera said he is hoping that those who are now staying in the old Lorega cemetery can be also given their chance to occupy the units.

“Kon ang priority sa City Hall mao kadtong anaa namuyo sa daplin sa kasapaan, ayaw ninyo kalimti tawon nga ang akong barangay duna sa’y sapa nga daghan ‘sab ang maisip nga namuyo sa danger area,” he said.