Cagayan employees to benefit from gov't housing program

The provincial government here is currently developing a 39, 545 square meter (sq m) lot in Carig Norte here and 345, 760 sq. m. at Patagueleg, Peñablanca, Cagayan for the Provincial Government Employees Housing Program aimed to assist qualified provincial government employees in Cagayan.

According to Mar Dela Cruz of the Provincial Planning and Development Office-Cagayan, the site in Peñablanca is estimated to engender 1, 450 lots and 215 lots in Tuguegarao City. Each lot will have an average size of 120 sq. m.

Since its launching in August 9, 2010, physical development of the housing project has been continuously going on such as the installation of 3, 150.33 perimeter fence in Patagueleg, and development of main and access roads within the area.

"The construction of retaining walls, drainage and water systems, and electric systems are currently on-going," Dela Cruz said. Upcoming activities include establishment of a shortcut road from Capitol leading to Patagueleg, acquisition of lots for newly qualified employees, registration of lots, and the reclassification of Patagueleg lots from agriculture to residential.

By 2013, the provincial government is expecting development of housing units in both areas.

The distribution of lots is done through sale at a minimal cost to qualified beneficiaries. On the matter of securing the area from unnecessary sale and exploitation, Dela Cruz stated that per provincial ordinance, the beneficiaries cannot sell the property and they must construct their housing units within 10 years. He assured that rules and regulations are in place to avoid unnecessary actions of the beneficiaries and ensure rightful awarding of lots to deserving employees.

Meanwhile, Nueva Vizcaya PPDC Mike Jubay said that the project poses as a potential growth center in the province; hence, its development must be in line with the physical development plan of the province.

Jubay also recommended that the provincial government should source out funds to further develop the project against any disasters. Further, he urged the provincial government to devise a plan so that the project will not become co-terminus with the current administration, with 2013 local elections upcoming. - PIA — ARA