NEGROS Occidental Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez aims to form the Metro Third Housing Confederation which is in line with his housing program

Benitez’s housing projects are in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Region VI office and local government units of the Third District, spearheaded a series of workshops for Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs).

The workshops were intended to guide and help organize new HOAs and register existing ones for the creation of a city or municipal federation of homeowners’ associations.

“Once federated, this will pave the way for the formation of a Metro Third Housing Confederation so they may be able to avail of various housing and community development projects,” Benitez said in a statement.

In November 14, the House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading House Bill 5 which seeks to establish an on-site, in-city, near-city, or off-city local government resettlement program for informal settler families (ISFs).

Benitez had said that it aims to uphold the rights of the urban poor in the city, save ISFs from being relocated to faraway relocation sites, and empower them to design for themselves the development of their community through the people’s plan.

The measure would mandate local government units and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to provide necessary basic services and livelihood components to ensure the sustainability of resettlement projects for ISFs.

Benitez is the chairperson of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development.