ILOILO City – In a major boost to the city’s socialized housing program, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Wednesday awarded Certificates of Entitlement to 213 families residing in the Telecom Compound in Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro district, formalizing their legal claim to housing under Presidential Proclamation No. 1538.
The beneficiaries received their certificates during a ceremony at Diversion 21 Hotel on February 4, a milestone in the implementation of the PP 1538 housing project, which covers a 36,000-square-meter government-declared property reserved for socialized housing.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the awarding of the certificates gives long-term security to families who have waited years for formal recognition of their homes.
“You can now breathe easy knowing you have houses to call home. This will not only uplift your lives but also help break the cycle of poverty, one day at a time for every Ilonggo,” Treñas said.
She added that the certificates affirm ownership and peace of mind for beneficiaries.
“You can now sleep soundly, knowing that the homes you occupy are fully yours,” the mayor said.
The event was attended by DHSUD secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and National Housing Authority regional manager Engr. Rizalino Cabahug, whose agencies worked with the Iloilo City Government to address legal and technical hurdles surrounding the long-delayed project.
Treñas also recognized the Iloilo City Local Housing Office, led by Atty. Peter Millare, for facilitating the completion of requirements that allowed the beneficiaries to finally secure their entitlements.
Placing the milestone within the city’s broader development agenda, Mayor Treñas said the housing effort aligns with Iloilo City’s Rise-to-Action Framework, which prioritizes inclusive growth and social protection.
She further announced that the Iloilo City Local Housing Office has been designated as the city’s Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Affairs Office, strengthening institutional support for organized communities. The city has already registered 55 homeowners’ associations and allocated over P2 million for livelihood and skills training programs.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, awardee Joven Apollo Turga expressed gratitude for the long-awaited recognition.
“I am deeply honored to accept this certificate. This represents the dedication and passion we all bring to our work,” Turga said.
City officials said the issuance of the Certificates of Entitlement solidifies Iloilo City’s push for housing security, laying the groundwork for future urban development initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and economic stability for Ilonggo families./PN
