Pantal residents set to own house and lot

DAGUPAN CITY – More than 30 members of Pantal Norte Urban Poor Alliance, Inc. will soon be able to acquire the land they had occupied for more than 50 years following a joint initiative by the local government and Pag-IBIG.

One of the big fishing vessels docked at Pantal River in Dagupan City. Photo Credit :  Elias Sabidalas

This was when members of the urban poor raised their concerns to reside in a property foreclosed by the Philippine Veterans Bank, as they claimed the land they had occupied.

The local government is now working on the necessary procedures for the acquisition of the property by the city through the Pag-IBIG Fund.

Once the ownership of the land is transferred from the Philippine Veterans Bank to the city, the residents will have to register with Pag-IBIG to avail of loans that will cover the payment of their land.

Their loan will be based on the corresponding lot sizes where their houses are built within the property.

Susan De Vera, Housing Relationship Officer of Pag-IBIG Fund Dagupan disclosed that the project, to be the first of its kind in the entire province, will include a subdivision plan, with the residents to be assigned their corresponding lot numbers after a land survey.

“This is a special project, so the processing in Pag-IBIG will begin immediately after everything has been approved,” said De Vera.

 De Vera also added that once the processing at Pag-IBIG is complete, the land ownership will then be transferred to the residents.

“The people are lucky to have Mayor (Belen) Fernandez helping them. Nakikita ko yung pagmamahal niya sa mga constituents niya kasi nakikita niya kung gaano kahirap yung sitwasyon nila, ” added De Vera.

In her message, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said the project will be considered a model for future housing projects in the city.

“I am always on the side of those who are in need, especially the poor. And now, I am thankful for being given the opportunity to help you because this is a rare chance. This model project, which will enable you to have your own land and the title, will be one of my greatest accomplishments,” added Fernandez.

Fernandez also disclosed plans to construct a drainage system and a concrete road in their area, aside from assisting in the transfer of land ownership from the PVB to the residents.

Meanwhile, Rogelio Caranga, a member of the Pantal Norte Urban Poor Alliance, Inc., expressed his gratitude to Fernandez for launching an initiative that will finally give them the right to their homes.

 “Halos mangiyak nga ako sa tuwa. Sa tagal naming naghintay sa lupa na yan, ngayon natulungan kami ni Mayor at inilapit niya sa Pag-IBIG. Magkakaroon na kami ng lote at hindi pa kami mahihirapan sa pagbayad,” said Paragas (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)