Dads back ordinance supporting urban poor housing initiatives

IN an effort to address the city’s housing needs, the 20th City Council enacted an ordinance providing the guidelines on how urban poor associations can qualify for the 20% equity for land acquisition grant for socialized housing program, pursuant to Ordinance No. 13178-2016, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Socialized Housing Program of 2016.

The City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD), in its letter to Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, emphasized the necessity of adopting general guidelines to streamline the process to avail of the program as well as allocate the city’s financial resources more efficiently.

Based on the eligibility criteria, an association can avail of the financial assistance if it is accredited by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Sangguniang Panlungsod; and recognized by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.

Under the general guidelines and procedure of the ordinance, CHUDD will review the application of the associations and conduct socio-economic profiling to all its HOA members, who are only allowed to own a lot not exceeding 150 square meters, The Gavel learned.

This ordinance aligns with the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the RISE Agenda of Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy which strives to provide affordable and decent shelter to underprivileged households in the city.

The Committees on Urban & Rural Poor And Housing Development and on Laws and Rules both chaired by Councilor Cabanlas  sponsored the legislation.