Priced out? Iloilo provincial workers ask governor for housing help

ILOILO CITY — The Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE) has appealed to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. to explore affordable housing programs for qualified provincial government workers amid rising residential property costs.

In an Oct. 7 letter signed by AIPGE President Joecil L. Mayora, the association urged the governor to facilitate possible housing programs, projects, or partnerships that would help employees acquire their own homes.

The group cited the difficulties faced by employees who rent, live in inadequate housing, or cannot afford to buy residential property.

“Providing employees with access to affordable housing would greatly contribute to their financial security, well-being, and overall quality of life,” the association said in its letter.

AIPGE said a housing initiative would also benefit employees’ families by providing greater stability.

It added that such a program could encourage workers to remain productive and committed to public service.

The association asked the provincial government to initiate discussions and consider measures toward establishing a housing assistance program or housing project.

It described the proposed initiative as an investment in the welfare of workers who continue to serve the province.

Government employees can already apply for home loans through the Pag-IBIG Fund and the Government Service Insurance System, while the national government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino program aims to build one million housing units a year.