Governor Gwen Garcia urged the National Housing Authority (NHA) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to rethink its socialized vertical housing plan during a meeting with representatives at the Capitol on Thursday, May 11.
The meeting aimed to discuss a partnership between the two government agencies and the Cebu Provincial Government in creating socialized housing on a lot owned by the province, as part of President Bongbong Marcos' plan to build 1 million houses per year.
However, the governor declined their initial proposal to create vertical socialized housing, citing its costly nature and difficulty in maintaining cleanliness and upkeep, as evidenced by its lackluster track record in Metro Manila.
Instead, the governor urged the agencies to consider tapping different developers who have already established successful models of socialized housing instead.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring that any housing program developed is sustainable, cost-efficient, and provides long-term solutions to the housing needs of the people.
The governor reiterated the need to synergize the project through direct participation and coordination with local government units in their housing programs, highlighting the success of the Capitol’s housing model in Minglanilla.
The project, which involved relocating families from high-risk areas, provided each family with a two-story concrete house on a 40 square meter lot, complete with water and electricity connections.
The Cebu Provincial Government has also had success in its relocation projects for fire victims and informal settlers.
Governor Garcia reiterated the importance of achieving and performing for the people to restore their faith in the government.
She stated, "We achieve, we perform, basin nalang mabalik ilang pag tuo sa gobyerno."
The governor noted that time is the most precious commodity, which is why she would rather utilize provincial funds for creating more water systems and road concreting than buying lots then asking for reimbursements.
This call reflects her administration's commitment to achieving sustainable solutions to the needs of the Sugbuanons while also ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. | Ulrika R. Wagas