Private-public deal eyed for city gov’t housing

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – A private-public deal is eyed for a housing project for employees of the city government.

Vice mayor Daniel Farinas proposed a resolution recommending that the city government have a private-public partnership with Asia Pine Hills Development Corp. to avail of its lots at Cypress Village in Irisan barangay as site of its housing project for its employees.

Farinas said the city government had been scouting for a site for the employees’ housing project but efforts proved futile.

“The city government of Baguio recognizes the need to provide decent and affordable housing to its employees in relation to its commitment to uplift the lives of its loyal and dedicated employees (but despite the efforts) it was unsuccessful in identifying an LGU-owned land suitable for housing project,” he said.

“Because of the limited capacity of the local government to undertake the development of a housing project, the city government of Baguio should partner with a reputable developer that is capable and willing to provide real property and technical services and even bridge financing support for a housing project,” Farinas said.

He said the Asia Pine company has four titled lots at Cypress Village with a total area of 8,204 square meter suitable for a housing project and the city government should cease the opportunity to deal with the company to pursue the project.

During the project’s presentation to employees last week, Mayor Mauricio Domogan expressed the city’s willingness to support the project and pledged subsidy for the development of the road in the site.

Asia Pine owner Peter Santos for his part committed to assist the employees by providing easy terms in the lot sale and even in the construction of houses, if so desired by the beneficiaries.

At present, the City Housing and Urban Development Board is finalizing the number of employees who manifested interest in availing of the housing project.