THE City Government of San Fernando, in partnership with a private firm, launched a socialized housing project for its employees in Barangay Panipuan.

The City Local Housing and Settlement Division (LHSD), Townhomes San Fernando Homeowners Association, Inc., and contractor/developer Baque Corporation, put together the project that aims to provide employees with high-quality, yet affordable housing units.

The partnership was formalized by the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the association and the contractor/developer which was witnessed by Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin on February 18, 2021 at Heroes Hall.

“Ang proyektong ito ay nasa ilalim ng socialized housing program kung saan naglalayon na mabigyan ng disenteng pabahay ang mga empleyado ng ating lokal na pamahalaan. Ang prayoridad nitong mga benepisyaryo ay low at middle income earners,” said LHSD Chief Louie Clemente.

Clemente added the project is a promise-fulfilled by Mayor Edwin Santiago to the employees.

Richard Pagcu, association president, who is also an employee of the City Government, said that, presently, there are already more than 300 beneficiaries of the project.

The beneficiaries are automatically registered as members of their group.

If the site’s capacity permits, the group may open membership to employees from other government agencies.

“Bagamat mayroon na tayong mahigit 300 na miyembro, tuloy-tuloy pa rin po yung pagpasok ng mga bagong aplikante at bukas po tayo doon. Kung hindi naman mapupuno yung kapasidad ng site, bubuksan natin ito sa ibang residente ng siyudad na government workers din,” said Pagcu.

For their part, Dr. Ofelia Baque, president of Baque Corporation, assured the city of a quality project.

“Mayroon tayong at least 30 years na karanasan, hindi lang sa paggawa ng socialized housing, kung hindi pati na rin sa economic at high-end housing. Kaya naman, sinisiguro natin na iyong mga bahay ay maipagmamalaki natin,” she explained.

Following the MOA signing, Clemente said all the documents of the employees will be transmitted for validation to the state-run Social Housing Finance Corporation prior to the construction of houses.

Recipients of the housing program will only pay for the monthly amortization and will not shell out for the down payment, equity, or other services. (PR)