Naga City residents get free houses

Local

FOR families who had been living with the risk of losing their homes, a 20-square-meter house now offers a safer place to stay.

The City Government of Naga on Wednesday, Aug. 19, turned over 56 low-cost housing units to beneficiaries as part of its “Naga Tabang sa Panimalay” housing program.

The 56 units are part of the 160 houses funded under the city’s 2025 allocation of about P28 million.

The turnover coincided with the ceremonial signing of the Deed of Donation at the Vision and Leadership Hall at City Hall.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong said each unit has a room and a

comfort room and is donated free of charge to qualified beneficiaries.

The city initially set the construction cost at P160,000 per unit.

Chiong said the cost has increased to about P200,000 because of rising prices.

Of the 160 units covered by last year’s allocation, 56 have been completed while 77 remain under construction.

Chiong said the higher construction cost could affect the number of new houses the city can build in the coming years.

For this year, the city may allocate funds for about 100 additional units.

Securing land has also posed a challenge, Chiong said, as many beneficiaries live on properties they do not own.

The city needs to secure the landowner’s consent or a deed of donation before construction can proceed.

Among the beneficiaries were 18 families in Barangay Uling who were affected by a rockfall.

The Uling housing site is on a 60-hectare property involving the Province of Cebu, the barangay and the city.

Other identified beneficiaries came from Barangay Cantao-an with four, Barangay Mayana with five, Barangay Lanas with one, Barangay Naalad with three, Barangay Tangke with two, Barangay Cogon with four and Barangay Lutac with four.

These areas accounted for 41 beneficiaries identified in the presentation during the turnover.

Chiong also underscored the importance of having a secure roof over their heads, particularly during the monsoon season, based on what he had observed among families living in vulnerable housing conditions.

“Kay tungod ako nakakita sa panahon sa ting-uwan, kusog nga ting-uwan, kusog nga ting-hangin, magtuk-ong nalang mo kay dili mo makatulog,” he said.

City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Joveno Garcia said the project responds to the need for decent and affordable housing among low-income families who cannot afford to secure adequate shelter.

“Many households here in Naga continue to live in overcrowded and substandard housing," Garcia said.

Garcia said the city’s housing project aims to provide secure, durable and healthy living environments that can improve the health, safety, education and overall well-being of vulnerable families.

He said the project also supports economically disadvantaged families by allowing them to occupy homes without taking on a heavy financial burden.

“Providing housing is essential to improving the quality of life of vulnerable families by ensuring access to secure, durable, and healthy living environments,” Garcia said.

Garcia also said the project generates employment in the community, as the city hires local construction workers and creates demand for locally sourced materials such as sand and gravel and concrete blocks.

The city funded the housing program through its general fund.

Chiong credited barangay officials for helping identify beneficiaries and support the implementation of the project.

He also reminded beneficiaries to care for their homes and surrounding land, particularly during heavy rains and strong winds.(MyTVCebu)