Cabanlas open for discussion to address city housing program woes

COUNCILOR Edgar S. Cabanlas is willing to discuss in his Committee of Urban & Rural Poor and Housing Development the concerns raised by Councilor Jose Pepe S. Abbu regarding the inventory and awarding process of the city’s socialized housing projects.

During the regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Cabanlas acknowledged the difficulties and setbacks in implementing the housing initiatives; however, he emphasized that, despite challenges, the local government must continue its efforts.

"This is the most difficult program of the government. There are lapses and deficiencies," Cabanlas said, citing the lengthy and complex process involved in managing legal requirements, preparing the final list of beneficiaries, and processing the request for housing among residents who are victims of demolition and natural calamities.

He also addressed the issue of the lack of relocation sites for displaced families, despite the vacancy of some socialized housing units in the city which, according to Abbu, are unoccupied and dilapidated.

“This is a very complicated issue because every administration has its problems. Most of the time, the incumbent mayor inherits the problems of the past administrations,” Cabanlas remarked, saying that the housing problem is a generational issue. 

He added that the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) is a new office; thus, prone to birth pains.

Cabanlas stated that he is drafting an ordinance that will give CHUDD more power to make its operation more efficient.

 “.. (the urban poor and housing committee) accepts the referral,” Cabanlas concluded.