Sorsogon City builds 214 houses, hands keys to informal settlers

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The city government of Sorsogon officially handed over 214 housing units to families living in informal settlements and flood zones on Tuesday, May 19.

The initiative highlighted the local government’s efforts to help more low-income families gain access to safe and decent homes.

It aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s national housing program, which encourages local governments to use public land to provide safe and affordable homes for families who need them the most.

Sorsogon City Mayor Ma. Ester Hamor highlighted that this project was made possible through a strong partnership with the provincial government.

The housing units are distributed across two different areas to support balanced economic growth and reduce traffic congestion.

In the Urban Integration Zone, 64 of the new homes are located in Barangays Sirangan and Sampaloc, close to key city services like markets and schools.

This setup helps keep families connected to economic opportunities rather than isolating them in faraway areas.

In contrast, the 150 housing units in Sitio Maricrum, Barangay San Jose in the Bacon District, fall under what is called as Rural Decentralization Zone.

This area is designed to support agricultural jobs and encourage growth in suburban areas, helping reduce overcrowding in the city center.

To ensure that public land is protected and to give vulnerable residents lasting housing security, the local government has set up a strict agreement for these homes.

“Instead of following the traditional way of selling land, which often pushes low-income families out due to rising costs, this approach tackles the main issues causing urban poverty,” said Hamor.

Cyril Oropesa, the city’s legal officer, explained that the beneficiaries can live in these homes as long as they wish, but the government will always own the land.

This means that no private land titles will be given to residents.

According to Oropesa, the arrangement keeps city properties safe under government ownership, which allows the city to borrow more money for future infrastructure projects.

“This gives the local government the ability to fund improvements while ensuring families have a safe home without the risk of losing it to real estate market pressures,” he said.

“Overall, this streamlined approach helps deliver social services to communities quickly and efficiently,” he added.

Francesca Destacamento, 22, a beneficiary of the housing program, expressed gratitude for the secure homes that eliminate fears of eviction and rising rents.

She noted the units’ proximity to public markets and schools helps reduce transportation costs for her extended family.

Armida Sistoso-Belen, 49, a single parent of a child with disabilities, called the program a blessing, especially after losing their home to a recent fire in Barangay Almendras.

“My long dream was finally granted,” she said emotionally.

Jocelyn Laguerta, a solo parent of three, shared that she and her neighbors often faced severe flooding and anxiety in their previous homes.

“Now, we feel safe and have peace of mind,” she said.

During the turnover ceremony, Hamor urged beneficiaries to care for their new homes and community facilities, emphasizing the importance of treating the housing with dignity for future generations. (PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)

The newly inaugurated Sampaloc Tenement provides safe and decent houses to families living in informal settlements and flood-prone areas. (PIA 5/ Sorsogon)