MANILA, Philippines -- The city government of Manila on Wednesday awarded 231 qualified families the land they current occupy as part of its Land for the Landless and Socialized Housing Program.
Mayor Alfredo Lim said the beneficiaries have, for decades, been the “actual occupants” of 12 properties acquired by the city government public lands and properties acquired by the city government.
The properties distributed are M.C. Evangelista (formerly Albaricos), De Guia (Framaceda), Geronimo Manotok, Fajardo, Samia estates in Tondo, Philippine Columbian Property in Paco, Bacorba and Monserat properties in Sta. Mesa, Rita Legarda and Mauro Prieto estates in Sampaloc, and Barrio Obrero in Pandacan.
Lim clarified that the beneficiaries will still have to pay the city government for the land.
Although he did not disclose how much the beneficiaries have to pay and for how long, Lim said the monthly installments would be” very affordable.”
“The city is not in the business of real estate,” Lim said.
The lot awarding is the third since Lim assumed office in July 2007.
Early February this year, Lim also awarded housing units in the Dagupan Medium-Rise Housing Project in Tondo to 93 policemen, teachers, and informal settlers.
The next batch of lots will be awarded on June 23, a day before Manila’s 437th foundation anniversary.
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