Housing is a basic necessity, but for many residents of Cebu’s 93-1 lot, achieving permanent home ownership remains a significant challenge. Recently, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia issued Memorandum No. 21-2025, setting a final ultimatum for residents to process their Pag-IBIG housing loan applications by March 7, 2025. However, many affected families struggle to meet this demand due to financial hardships.
The Struggles of 93-1 Lot Occupants
Most 93-1 lot residents are jobless or earn minimum wage, making long-term housing payments nearly impossible.
A resident shared:
We want to secure our homes, but how can we meet the payment requirements when even daily expenses are a struggle?
The main concerns of the residents include:
• High housing costs that exceed their financial capacity.
• The policy took effect without local consultation.
• Short deadline that does not consider their financial struggles.
Proper dialogue between the government and residents is crucial for fair and realistic solutions.
The Need for Inclusive Decision-Making
The provincial government aims to provide security of tenure; however, a one-sided policy overlooks residents’ actual conditions, risking displacement instead of assistance. A fair approach should include:
A better approach would include:
✅ Community consultations before implementing housing policies.
✅ Flexible payment terms that align with the financial reality of low-income families.
✅ Government-backed subsidies or assistance programs to ease the burden.
Moving Toward a Fair Solution
The 93-1 lot residents deserve a housing solution that is both affordable and sustainable. However, instead of providing genuine assistance, Governor Gwen Garcia’s policies are making life even more difficult for them. She seems to have forgotten that the people of Cebu elected her to serve their best interests, yet now she is imposing measures that worsen their situation. A fair approach requires open discussions with the government and affected communities to leave no one behind. Housing policies should be realistic, inclusive, and centered on the people’s welfare, not just enforced through ultimatums.
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