- GILBERT BAYORAN
The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill No. 05, or the In-City Housing Bill, authored by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez Nov. 9.
Benitez said the bill aims to uphold the rights of the urban poor in the city, save informal settler families (ISFs) from being relocated to faraway relocation sites, and empower ISFs to design for themselves the development of their community through a People’s Plan.
In his sponsorship speech, Benitez said that, “Under this bill, the families remain close to their jobs, the children’s education will not be disrupted and basic services shall be within their reach. Only when on-site or in-city relocation is not feasible, shall near-city or off-city relocation be considered.
“By institutionalizing on-site or in-city relocation, the State will be able to provide affordable and sustainable housing programs with minimal to no dislocation, no loss of livelihood, and access to basic services will be ensured, as mandated under sections 9 and 10 of Article XIII of the Constitution,” he added.
Benitez chairs the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development.
An initial 5,000 housing units will rise on the Yuhum Village in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City, starting the first quarter of 2023 for the city government’s shelter program, in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, according to Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar./GB
Caption
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, during the deliberation of his In-City Housing Bill that was approved on second reading Nov. 9. | HRep photo
