93-1 issues: For better or for worse?

93-1 is a noble undertaking from the government to implement its socialized housing program which is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution and Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 otherwise known as R.A. 7279. Socialized Housing Program was really designed to give security of tenure to our less fortunate brothers and sisters.Though the program is not free, the government should ensure that the beneficiaries will able to pay its amortization based on their capacity to pay.

The union of Mayor Rama and Gov. Garcia at first glance may seem to be a good idea for it paved way to the reopening of the long-time-unresolved problem of the negotiations of between 93-1 beneficiaries and the Province of Cebu. But if people were to think rationally, it may seem to worsen the condition of the beneficiaries. Why?

Upon the arrival of Vice-Pres. Jejomar Binay, the signing and executing of the Memorandum of Agreement with Province assuring them the financial institution for housing like Social Housing and Finance Corp. and HUDCC will be guarantors of those members occupying Sky View Homeowners Association, Inc. followed. With Gov. Gwen reassuring that lot prices will be evaluated by means of fair and market value to be discussed within the Provincial Board.

If the Provincial Board will decide that lot prices would be based on appraisal, zonal and present market value without considering the capacity of each beneficiary to pay, then beneficiaries would end up losing the deal for the tendency is they would be disqualified or lots would be confiscated. I am not privy to the group of appraisers who conducted appraisal on all lots covered by 93-1.But a couple of months ago there was an unverified information that all lots of the Province of Cebu under 93-1 will be disposed not lower than Php7,000.00 per square meter. It would be so much for beneficiaries to suffer. To lose a home is never a minor problem.

Do you see now how the issue of 93-1 is being maximized to advance ones political agenda and business enterprise?Mayor Mike Rama is now an ally with Gov. Gwen, and are both at odds with Tomas Osmeña, being the first mayor in the entire country to establish an urban poor office to cater the delivery of basic services like housing.

Remember, the verbal tussle between the governor and the former mayor Osmeña has its root from the initiatives to resolve the 93-1 issue. If not for Mike Rama who gave an unforgettable remark of “DAWAT LIMPIYO” against the Province of Cebu, 93-1 issues had long been resolved, and not capitalizing it as an instrument for political maneuverings.

The decision may lead to two different ends, for the better? or for worse?

Nonetheless, people are hoping that the upcoming decision would formulate a price that is in the range of capacity of the beneficiaries to pay. The main goal of this project is to come up with a intelligent decision that is fair enough not just for the Province of Cebu but also to the urban poor beneficiaries. So I am reminding that the decision should not be influenced by any other factors but just of the germane sects that are involved. For a better Cebu, for Cebuanos’!

Jeramy Claire M. Loreto

University of San Carlos

Political Science Department