Low-cost homes set for Muntinlupa gov’t workers, squatters

MANILA, Philippines–More than 80 employees of the Muntinlupa City government were recently awarded low-cost housing units under a project launched by city hall in partnership with Gawad Kalinga and Manulife Philippines.

The newly opened GK-Manulife Village occupies a 3,188-square-meter property at Soldiers Hill in Barangay (village) Putatan, which when completed would have seven buildings offering a total of 124 housing units, according to the city’s Urban Poor Affairs Office (UPAO).

The beneficiaries were rank-and-file employees who belong to the low-income bracket and do not have their own homes. A total of 88 units in five buildings have so far been distributed, with the construction of the sixth building expected to start in July.

Meanwhile, three other government housing projects in the city are under construction.

In April, work began for another Gawad Kalinga Village on a 8,348-square-meter property donated by SM Development Corp. in Laguerta, Barangay Tunasan. It will have 11 buildings containing 188 units and is expected to be unveiled in December.

The targeted beneficiaries are families currently living within the city’s danger zones, such as the riverside area at ESC Compound in Tunasan and other informal settlers in Laguerta.

In a statement, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said plans were also made for the village to have its own high school, internal revenue office, health center and police station.

Another housing project in Tunasan, the Dreamhome Ville in Sitio (settlement) Salvacion, is also on the rise. According to the UPAO, the city government recently approved a P6.5-million loan for the 220 beneficiaries, who have formed a homeowners’ association. The money would pay the property developer to level a hilly portion of the village.

The third project under construction is the East Kabulusan Resettlement in Barangay Cupang. The 1.6-hectare property, donated by the heirs of Don Benito Roces, will be distributed among informal settlers living in the same area and along the creek on East Kabulusan Road.

The city government partnered with the Rotary International District 3830, Rotary Homes Foundation Inc., and Couples for Christ-Ancop Tekton Foundation Inc. for this housing program.

Another housing project in Lakeview, Barangay Putatan, is currently on the drawing board, according to the city’s public information office.–Jaymee T. Gamil