Housing project launched in Escopa

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. launched yesterday the first housing project of the city’s Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (HURA), intended to benefit some 300 poor families in Barangay Escopa III.

In simple ceremonies attended by Escopa residents and Quezon City officials, Belmonte laid the corner stone for the four, five-story residential buildings which will rise on a 2,880-square meter property acquired by the city government 10 years ago. Because of lack of funding, the previous administration was unable to push through with the housing project.

"Tinutupad namin yung pangako ng nakaraang administration sampung taong nakalipas, yung nakasulat sa tubig, ngayon ay nakasulat na sa bato," Belmonte told cheering residents.

He said under the plan, monthly amortization for the housing units will be determined by the floor area. This ranges from P900 to P1,600 for units on the ground floor.

The housing program is being implemented by the HURA, the corporate arm of the city government which has an initial funding of P100 million.

According to City Treasurer Dr. Victor Endriga, the funding of HURA was taken from the more than P3 billion savings of the city.

Quezon City, which is recognized as the richest local government unit in the country, is also the first to create its own corporation. It serves as a sustainable vehicle to push the pro-poor programs of the city government without the hassle of red tape.

Belmonte, who sits as chairman of the corporation, said that aside from Escopa, the city government has identified sites in Fairview and Cubao to benefit informal settlers and low salaried city government employees.

Belmonte said the creation of HURA allows the city government to pursue aggressively its housing program for the more than one million urban poor residents in various parts of the city.

The QC HURA was created by virtue of City Ordinance 1236, signed into law by Belmonte last May 8.

Other officials of the city-owned corporation are former Budget Secretary Salvador Enriquez, both president and general manager, while the board of directors include Councilors Jesus Suntay and Ariel Inton as well as representatives from the QC Development Council and the city’s housing board.

Belmonte has prioritized the implementation of the Urban and Housing Act of 1992 which includes a provision for decent and affordable housing for the city residents.

"Our housing thrust for the poor is in line with our thrust of making Quezon City a quality community," Belmonte said. – Perseus Echeminada