THE CITY is looking to build a P100-million transient shelter for displaced residents living in danger zones.
During the Aprubado sa Konseho on Tuesday, November 26, Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr., said a private entity is already coordinating with the city for the project.
“Ang mahitabo ani, puy-anan ni sya sa mga walay kabalhinan nga nagpuyo sa delikado nga mga lugar. This will be a housing facility,” Mahipus said.
“I have talked to a private entity who is willing to partner with the city and will be in charge of the construction, which will be turned over for the city to administer,” he added.
He stressed the design of the 5-storey building was already presented to the city mayor. It only needs authorities to sign before the release of the funds.
On the identified area, Mintal was initially decided, however, they are still looking for a lot that is safe from disasters, and at the same time, residents will have a source of income.
The fund is coming from the private developer who has deposited funds under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The project is the developers’ compliance with the Balanced Housing Development Program, mandating that private developers of residential subdivisions and condominium projects shall develop an area for socialized housing.
This is similar to the case of the developer Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) which constructed two five-story medium-rise buildings for socialized housing in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, Cebu, which they turned over to the city government of Cebu in 2022.
Once the paperwork is finished, Mahipus said the construction will start and is targeted to finish within 5-8 months. He however did not divulge the dates.
However, the units will not be awarded to the residents but serve as a temporary shelter while they are looking for a permanent place.
As to the parameters, an ordinance will be passed in the city council as a legal basis for the length of stay, or minimal fees if the need arises, and the basis for the selection of beneficiaries.
“It will depend because one of the concerns regarding the relocation program is that when the beneficiary is awarded the housing, moabot ang panahon ilaha rang i-dispose sa lain o buhaton nilang for rental,” he stressed.
Mahipus shared that the proposed ordinance entitled “Ordinance Establishing a Safe, Secure, Disaster-Free Shelter Community for ISF in Danger Zones” is at the committee level.