93-1 deal close to fruition

The Provincial Board (PB) approved a resolution authorizing Gov. Hilario Davide III to sign a deed of donation with the Cebu City Government to facilitate the transfer of provincial lots under the 93-1 socialized housing ordinance.

PB Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, author of the resolution, said they will set a schedule to meet with Mayor Tomas Osmeña for the signing of the deed of donation.

In a separate interview, Davide said he is looking forward to sealing the deal.

“The City Council has also issued a similar authority to Mayor Osmeña. We hope to schedule a meeting with them so we can start signing the deed of donation,” he said.

To settle a long-standing issue concerning residents living in government properties, both the Province and the City decided to create the 93-1 deal to facilitate the exchange of lots.

About 5,000 residents living in 11 barangays in Cebu City will benefit from the deal.

Osmeña described the PB’s approval as “a bigger gift than dominating the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) with a landslide win.”

The council already approved a similar resolution last July 10. The City was just waiting for the Province to finalize the exchange.

“The 5,000 families have been living in uncertainty for years. (Former mayor Michael) Mike Rama called it ‘dawat limpyo’ and (former governor now House Deputy Speaker) Gwen Garcia blocked it,” Osmeña said.

I really feel so happy for them. I know how it’s like. The urban poor, sa gawas isog sila pero sa sulod (they may appear brave on the outside, but inside) they’re terrified of one day getting a letter telling them to move out.

CEBU CITY MAYOR TOMAS OSMEÑA