Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo recently signed a joint memorandum of understanding for the development of a housing project to benefit primarily, residents living with disabilities or people with disabilities (PWDs) in Barangay Escopa III.
According to Secretary to the Mayor Tadeo Palma, the city government has already poured in P30 million for land development as he announced during the formal signing rites that the 36 housing units are scheduled for turnover by the end of May this year.
Taguiwalo, meanwhile, described the joint undertaking as “a good example of public-private partnership.”
“What we have here at Escopa is a small paradise for persons with disabilities,” Taguiwalo said.
Gawad Kalinga represented during the occasion by GK-QC head Justine Cruz, was tapped to undertake the development and construction of the housing project, which will be known as Bistekville 18.
Bautista urged the housing program beneficiaries to take good care of the houses that will be awarded to them. “Sana huwag naman ninyong ibenta ang mga titulo,” the city mayor said.
Bistekville 18, will be established on a portion of the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Escopa III. The property will be designed to yield about 130 two-story housing units with floor area measuring 21 square meters each. An initial 36 units are now under construction.
As provided for under the partnership agreement, Quezon City has been tasked to oversee the land development, to include site clearing and construction of roads, drainages and retaining walls and rip-rap and in the development of open spaces.
The city has also been tasked to assist in the social preparation and in the selection of beneficiaries.
The DSWD, on the other hand, shall act as the lead agency in the selection of qualified beneficiaries and in the resolution and arbitration of disputes relative to beneficiary selection.
Gawad Kalinga shall oversee the provision of the housing component.
The city government also facilitated the relocation of non-PWD or able families from Barangay Escopa to the National Housing Authority-designated resettlement site in Pandi, Bulacan.