ILOILO City – More than three decades after being relocated to a government housing site, 517 families here are now a step away from finally owning the lots they have occupied, following the signing of Contracts to Sell (CTS) under the San Juan Villanueva-Sian Housing Site project in Barangay San Juan, Molo district.
The contract-signing ceremony marked a major milestone in Iloilo City’s socialized housing program, giving long-time residents a legal pathway toward securing land titles and permanent ownership of their homes after years of waiting.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who attended the event shortly after returning from the World Cities Summit in Singapore, described the initiative as proof that urban development must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary residents.
“There is no better way to ground the grand vision of a ‘World City’ or a ‘Progressive City’ than by ensuring that our people have dignity, security, and a place they can truly call home,” Treñas said.
The mayor emphasized that housing remains one of the city government’s top priorities.
“We continue to advance inclusive housing programs for Ilonggo families through socialized, rental, and affordable housing, alongside community-based developments,” she said.
Under the program, beneficiaries can acquire their lots for only P200 per square meter, making homeownership more attainable for low-income families.
“Through this signing, 517 families are now closer to securing their own homes under accessible terms, including a rate of P200 per square meter, making dignified housing more within reach for our people,” Treñas said.
Records from the Iloilo City Local Housing Office showed that the San Juan Villanueva-Sian Housing Site was acquired by the city government in 1992 as an onsite relocation project and has since become home to more than 695 households. The CTS signing now opens the door for qualified beneficiaries to eventually obtain titles to their awarded lots.
The city government, through the Local Housing Office, also secured the project’s registration and license to sell from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, a key requirement for the legal transfer of titles.
According to Treñas, the city currently has six ongoing housing projects aimed at addressing the diverse shelter needs of residents, ranging from socialized and affordable housing to rental and community-based developments.
Beyond providing housing, the city is also investing in community support facilities and livelihood opportunities for residents.
“We continue to strengthen our communities beyond housing by putting up talipapa centers, livelihood programs with training and capital support for homeowners’ associations, community centers, and health clinics so services are truly felt where our people live,” she said.
Treñas said the city’s housing initiatives are designed to ensure that economic growth and urban development remain inclusive and accessible to all sectors.
“As I shared during the World Cities Summit, Iloilo City remains committed to inclusive housing — not only for vulnerable sectors, but also for hardworking families building their future,” Treñas said. “To our 517 beneficiaries, this is your moment and your new beginning. You are the heartbeat of Iloilo City.”
The event was attended by representatives from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, the National Youth Commission, the Iloilo City Local Housing Office, barangay officials, and other local government stakeholders./PN
