THE Cebu City Council requested Mayor Edgardo Labella to proceed with the implementation of the 93-1 socialized housing program and to allow informal settlers to pay for the lots their families have been occupying.

The council also requested Labella to hold a dialogue and consultation with informal settlers on the lot cost and the payment scheme.

“In November 2019, Mayor Edgardo Labella assured that he will look after the welfare of the residents of the 93-1 Province-owned lots. The mayor also assured the 93-1 lot occupants that the deal will be very beneficial to them, especially with respect to the payment,” said Councilor Alvin Dizon in a privilege speech during the regular council session on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020.

Around 5,000 residents living in 11 barangays in the city are expected to benefit from the 93-1 land swap deal.

In July 2018, the council approved the resolution of Councilor Eugenio Gabuya which authorized former mayor Tomas Osmeña to enter into and sign the deed of donation with the Cebu Provincial Government.

In August 2018, the City represented by Osmeña and the Province represented by then governor and now Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III signed the Deed of Donation and Acceptance of the lots belonging to 93-1.

Based on the Memorandum of Agreement between the two local government units (LGUs), the Province will give the City 32 hectares of land spread across several barangays, which are occupied mostly by urban poor settlers.

It will also hand over 1.5 hectares in the Department of Agriculture compound on M. Velez St.; 2,358 square meters on Gorordo Ave. in Barangay Lahug; and 577 square meters on Don Gil Garcia St. in Barangay Capitol Site.

In exchange, the City offered the Province a 2.5-hectare lot in the South Road Properties.

Labella, for his part, said he already started negotiating with the Province months ago in light of the Commission on Audit ruling, which called the attention of the two LGUs for proceeding with the land swap deal without the commission’s approval.

Labella welcomed the request of the council, saying it is good that the councilors have expressed their concern on the matter. (JJL)