Around 580 beneficiaries from this city received their tenurial right for the parcel of land they have been occupying for years, following the distribution of land entitlements and awards in separate ceremonies held here on Wednesday.

A total of 367 members of the Mirasol Village Homeowners Association, Inc. were issued their Certificates of Lot Award (CELA) for a parcel of land covering 20,240 square meters in Barangay Dungon C, Mandurriao district, in a ceremony at the People’s Center in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro District.

The distribution was led by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) President and Chief Executive Officer Federico Laxa, and Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda.

The private lot they occupied was purchased using the PHP46.55 million escrow fund of DHSUD under the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), implemented by the SHFC.

For the next 30 years, the beneficiaries will only pay the SHFC PHP1,150 per month as their repayment scheme.

Baronda said the release of the CELA is a living definition of public-private partnership as they worked hand-in-hand to find a fair solution, and aligned the vision of DHSUD and SHFC with the needs of the local community that is counting on the government.

“I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to DHSUD and SHFC. Thank you for proving that the government is not just a regulator, but a partner in building dreams,” she said.

On the same occasion, 250 fire victims from various barangays were provided with housing kit materials.

Meanwhile, a total of 213 families occupying the Telecom Compound in Barangay Quintin Salas in Jaro district received their Certificates of Entitlement after 27 years.

Presidential Proclamation 1538, signed by former President Gloria Arroyo in 2008, reserved the area for socialized housing purposes.

“With the issuance of the Certificates of Entitlement, you can finally breathe easier, knowing that the place you call home is now secured and recognized,” Mayor Raisa Treñas said in her message.

Iloilo City Local Housing Office chief Peter Millare, in an interview, said they will be waiting for the National Housing Authority to come up with the project cost for the repayment scheme, with the proceeds going to the National Treasury.

He said the initiative, along with various housing initiatives, will gradually reduce the 22,038-housing backlog of the city government. (PNA)