By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday commended the Manila City government for its in-city vertical housing project that will benefit healthcare workers, local government workers, and residents.
During the inauguration of the San Lazaro Residences in Sta. Cruz, Marcos praised the local government’s effort to build a socialized housing project that incorporates both community services and medical facilities.
“Pagka nakita ng ibang LGU ito, gagayahin ito, asahan mo dahil napakagandang modelo itong ginawa ninyo,” the President said. “Kailangan magpaturo kami sa inyo kung papaano ginagawa ‘yan.”
He noted that the project demonstrates effective collaboration between national and local governments: “Kahit hindi national government project po ito ay gusto kong ipakita sa lahat ng taumbayan na ito ang maaari nating gawin basta’t maganda ang ugnayan, basta’t maganda ang pag-coordinate ng national at local government ay marami tayong magagawa.”
“Lagi po naming sinasabi, hindi sapat na magtatayo ka lang ng bahay o magbibigay ka lang ng unit dahil ang buhay ng tao ay hindi pabahay lamang, kung hindi, kailangan malapit—merong serbisyo.”
The 20-storey San Lazaro Residences has a total of 382 residential units and 169 parking slots located at the corner of Quiricada and Alvarez Streets. It also hosts the Manila Public Health Laboratory on the first four floors as well as the Lanuza Health Center on the first two floors.
Of the total residential units, 193 are reserved for city health workers, while 189 will be raffled off to qualified residents and city government workers.
Beneficiaries will contribute P2,000 to P3,000 monthly, depending on income, to a trust fund that will be returned once they move out, minus repair costs.
The in-city housing project also includes a swimming pool, changing rooms, a function room, and an outdoor activity area.
Meanwhile, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso expressed his interest in sharing Manila’s socialized housing model with other LGUs.
“We’re really happy that the President is inspired about the situation,” Domagoso said. (with report from Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
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