TOP property and housing developer Westchester Realty Corporation (WRC), headed by former representative Rodello Valencia, announced Monday, March 2, the official takeover and immediate rehabilitation of the Xevera townships projects of Globe Asiatique (GA) Realty in Pampanga formerly owned by Delfin Lee.

In a press conference held at the main clubhouse of Xevera Mabalacat Monday, March 2, Valencia said it is "all-systems go" for the complete rehabilitation of the housing development projects of GA.

"Following the recent signing of the deed of conditional sale between the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig Fund) and our property development firm, Westchester Realty Corporation, we took no time in working out the details for the smooth transition as we brace for the immediate rehabilitation of Xevera projects formerly owned by Globe Asiatique," Valencia said.

Valencia said that "after careful and thorough study we found that 'all is not lost' in the housing projects intended to provide decent communities for thousands of Pampanguenos."

"We share the current administration's desire for the affected Pag-Ibig home members and borrowers -- who all have been provided a decent community and houses to live in because of these projects -- to finally and once and for all, legalize their respective ownership not only by way of possession but most importantly, legitimize their right to home ownership," Valencia stressed, adding home ownership is never a privilege but a right by any qualified home borrower or buyer.

"We likewise share the vision of Delfin Lee to provide a model community to low-income earners and ordinary home borrowers. All of these developments could not be made possible without the cooperation and support of Globe Asiatique and its president (Delfin) Lee. In the coming days and weeks, you will see the rehabilitation and transformation of the physical structures within the Xevera Complexes. Simultaneously, we will endeavor to work closely with Pag-Ibig, as well as to coordinate with Globe Asiatique and all of the affected residents to ensure a smooth flow of documentation and other necessary processes," Valencia said.

"Our overall objective is to make it possible for all legitimate homebuyers to take rightful possession of the homes they have bought, or wish to buy, in good working condition at the earliest possible time. For this, we will need the prompt and wholehearted cooperation of all stakeholders," he added.

For his part, Lee said the redevelopment of Xevera projects is a positive development.

"This positive development has given more than what I had hoped for the past many years. For the rights of legitimate homeowners are kept in place. And for my dream for ordinary masses to acquire affordable houses they can call their own and live in a model community that would uplift their morale and dignity, as well," he said.

"While I am entrusting the Xevera projects to WRC, rest assured that GA will continue to monitor all developments to ensure the right and security of all legitimate homeowners are kept in place," concluded Lee. (Chris Navarro)