Similar to that of Cebu, Mandaue socialized housing eyed for Talisay

CEBU, Philippines – For Talisay City Councilor Doroteo Emit, chairman of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, socialized medium-rise buildings could play a key role to lessen the number of landless constituents in the city.

In his proposed resolution, which was approved in yesterday's City Council session, Emit recommended the construction of a socialized medium-rise building for qualified beneficiaries.

"The construction of a socialized medium-rise building for the urban poor and landless is a positive strategy to lessen the number of landless constituents and alleviate the plight of the urban poor," Emit said.

Emit cited Cebu City and Mandaue City as models of medium-rise building construction for the poor.

One such property in Cebu City is the Lorega Cemetery, where a medium-rise building was erected for the city's urban poor in coordination with Gawad Kalinga, while in Mandaue City, a socialized housing project is also being offered to residents living near easement and danger zones.

Emit cited Section 2 of Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 which states that "it is the policy of the state to undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a comprehensive and continuing Urban Development and Housing Program."

In Section 2 of Republic Act 7835 or Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act of 1994, "it is a policy of the state to undertake in cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program of urban land reform and housing which will make available, at affordable cost, decent housing and basic services to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas."