Binay, Garcia to sign pact on 93-1 lots today
Vice President Jejomar Binay is in Cebu today to witness a breakthrough towards the resolution of the 93-1 controversy involving hundreds of occupants in the province-owned lots in Cebu City.
Binay will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Province of Cebu on behalf of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said that the signing of the agreement for the sale of the provinceowned lots in Busay to Skyvue Park Homeowners’ Association is a breakthrough.
Garcia said that the agreement will ensure the assistance of HUDCC and its line agencies in helping the occupants of the lots previously covered by Provincial Ordinance 93-1 to pay the provincial government.
“We are happy about this MOU because the Vice President himself as head of HUDCC has indicated and shown his firm commitment in helping the provincial government resolve the 931 issue,” Garcia said.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and some councilors are also invited to sign as witnesses of the agreement.
“It’s a show of unity,” Garcia said.
The provincial government has been working very closely with the office of the city mayor in the discussions and meetings with the homeowners’ associations.
Garcia explained that the said properties are in Cebu City and the local chief executive has the obligation to provide the services to the residents in terms of peace and order and security; water, infrastructure, and other facilities.
Meanwhile, Garcia was informed by one of the presidents of the homeowners’ association that somebody tried to mess the whole thing up by offering some alternatives.
“You cannot fool the Cebuanos,” she said adding that some residents even asked what alternatives were they talking about when the properties involved are owned by the Capitol.
Garcia said that the short visit of Binay today only shows his sincere commitment to help in speeding up the process of easing up the uncertainties of occupants of the lots under Ordinance 93-1.
The Provincial Board has authorized Garcia to execute and sign the agreement for the sale of two parcels of land at P3,300 per square meter which is considered by the Provincial Appraisal Committee as the true and current market value.
The Board believes the price is fair, reasonable and advantageous to the Province of Cebu.
The Board fixed the period of six months for the residents to pay to the provincial government from the proceeds of loan from lending agencies.
A wide range of financing options was also presented by representatives of Socialized Housing Finance Corp. and Home Development Mutual Fund or PagIbig Fund.
Another option is to avail of a loan from Cebu CFI Community Cooperative as the residents are all members.
What was achieved in Barangay Busay maybe a template in other areas covered by 93-1.
There are still 10 more barangays in Cebu City where province-owned lots occupied by residents are covered by Ordinance 93-1.
Underway is the negotiation of between the provincial government and the four associations of five lots in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City. Garcia is determined to resolve the issue before her term will expire next year.