The local government of Roxas City signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in Iloilo City on Saturday to help provide houses for homeless people in the city.
Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas and DHSUD Secretary Jose Acuzar signed the MOU.
The MOU covers projects proposed by the three local government units which aim to relocate informal settler families, respond to climate change hazards, and create economic opportunities for relocatees.
Dadivas personally spearheaded the presentation of the planned community.
Roxas City’s project, Paglaum Rise, is a 5-storey vertical housing development in a 3.1-hectare area on properties owned by the Roxas City government and other private owners in Barangay 5, and another in a 2.13-hectare private lot in Barangay 7.
The private lands are currently under negotiation for donation to their city government.
Dadivas says that they project to relocate 774 informal settler families in the city.
“Kita nagalaum nga sa palaabuton ini nga proyekto magahatag solusyon sa sitwasyon sang aton mga informal settlers nga nagapuyo sa sentro sang syudad,” he said.
Also present in the signing were DHSUD Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino, Undersecretary Gary de Guzman, Undersecretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Assistant Secretary Sharon Paquiz.
Apart from Dadivas, Roxas City was represented by Councilors Bordoy Viterbo and Councilor Pip Acepcion. Capiz Vice Governor Mitang Magbanua, Board Member Thea Faith Reyes and other Roxas City government officials were also present.
