Human Settlements Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Mayor Javier Benitez (3rd and 2nd from left) sign a housing memorandum of understanding on Friday.*
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is committed to helping Victorias City in its housing programs, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said Friday, September 30.
Acuzar, who signed a memorandum of understanding with Victorias Mayor Javier Benitez in Bacolod City, said no specific number of housing units have been decided on yet as the city government is preparing its plans so they can begin.
Benitez said they just finished their assessment and Victorias City needs about 6,000 units, especially for residents residing in flood-prone areas.
They are looking at several housing sites in barangays 11, 6A and 13, he said.
They are also eyeing urban onsite vertical housing projects, as well as coastal and upland sites, Benitez added.
What is important is that housing should not just be giving a house to a family, they need to consider if people are close to their livelihoods, as well as health and schooling needs, he said.
“Housing is very central to any development of the city,” Benitez said.*