BAGUIO CITY – Some 270 families stand to have their own homes as the city government started the first socialized housing project in Barangay Irisan, this city.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced that ground works are now ongoing in the Luna Terraces following the project’s groundbreaking last February.
Magalong said the project aims to establish a Socialized Permaculture Housing Community financed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Department of National Housing Authority.
Permaculture means "innovative framework for creating sustainable ways of living, how to grow food, build houses and create communities and minimize environmental impact at the same time."
The NHA had already extended P50 million to the city for the construction of the two buildings. A total of P326 million was allotted for the entire project. Eight more buildings are also set to be built at the site.
As per the blueprint put together by the Plan and Design team headed by the offices of the City Planning and Development, City Engineering and City Buildings and Architecture, two buildings will initially be constructed with 270 units up for award under socialized payment terms to qualified families.
Beneficiaries will be selected based on criteria now being finalized by the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer.
Magalong said priority will be given to informal settlers or families residing in danger areas or those displaced by natural or human-induced disasters.
Magalong added that at present, the city has an estimated 15,000 families in need of houses, prompting the city government to scout for more lots to develop as housing for them.
He said, DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario had expressed full support to the city's thrust to pursue more low cost housing projects. The DHSUD will be funding the land development while the NHA will be providing funding for the construction of housing units.