Mandaue informal settlers finally own lot

AFTER almost three decades, informal settlers of a 9.2-hectare city-owned lot in Mandaue City finally received their certificates of lot ownership the other day from Mayor Jonas Cortes.
A parade from city hall preceded the activity which was the  culmination of  the program of the Urban Poor Solidarity Week and held at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
Cortes, who stood  firm in donating the lot, said that as “servant-leaders,” they have the responsibility to lend a hand to the  impoverished members of society.
The first batch of certificates for the 49 household-beneficiaries was signed by Mayor Cortes, said Tony Pet Juanico from the Housing Urban Development Office.
The 9.2 hectare-lot owned by the city is located in a prime area within barangays Subangdaku, Tipolo, Guizo and Mantuyong.
“We started our struggle with the previous two administrations and finally our dream was realized,” said Dometela  Subang, president of the 243-strong Lower Tipolo Homeowners Association Inc. (LTHAI).
Some 24 members of LTHAI and 25 members of Malibu-Matimco Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (MMVHAI) received the certificates.
The rest of the 1,642 beneficiaries have yet to receive their certification as the lot assignment and subdivision plan in their respective areas are still being finalized.