By Xander Ledesma
The Pag-IBIG Fund has officially started processing land transactions and signing deeds of conditional sale for beneficiaries of Provincial Ordinance (PO) 93-1, according to Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia. The announcement was made during a press conference at Cebu City Hall.
The responsibility for processing individual applications has been transferred from the Cebu Provincial Government to the Pag-IBIG Fund, a government-run financial institution specializing in housing loans. This move aims to streamline the process for hundreds of families seeking legal ownership of the land they occupy.
Provincial Ordinance 93-1, enacted years ago, was designed to address land tenure issues among informal settlers in Cebu. It provided a pathway for qualified residents to secure titles to the land they have lived on for years. However, bureaucratic delays and administrative challenges have hindered progress in formalizing land ownership for many beneficiaries.
With the Pag-IBIG Fund now managing the application process, including signing the deeds of conditional sale, beneficiaries are expected to experience a more efficient and organized approach. The deeds represent the first step in the eventual transfer of land ownership to qualified occupants.
This development follows consultations and coordination between local government officials, the Cebu Provincial Government, and the Pag-IBIG Fund. The collaboration seeks to address residents’ concerns and expedite the resolution of land tenure issues that have affected informal settlers in Cebu for decades.
Cebu City has long faced challenges related to informal settlements and land ownership. Many residents have built homes on land without legal titles, often due to the high cost of housing and limited access to formal property markets. Ordinances like PO 93-1 aim to provide solutions by granting titles to qualified occupants, but the process has faced setbacks over the years.
The Pag-IBIG Fund’s involvement is seen as a significant step toward resolving these issues. It is anticipated to bring more structure and clarity to the application process, reducing delays caused by administrative backlogs and documentation requirements.
The formalization of land ownership under PO 93-1 is expected to have a positive impact on Cebu City’s housing and urban development. By granting legal ownership, the initiative provides families with security and a platform for future homeownership. Additionally, beneficiaries can access Pag-IBIG’s housing loan programs, enhancing their financial stability and prospects for long-term property ownership.