by RG Alama

Davao City (26 June) -- The City is pursuing land-banking, as part of its urban land reform development program. City Administrator Wendell Avisado said during his guesting at the weekly Kapihan sa SM held last Monday (June 25) at Pizza Hut SM Davao.

The city is identifying and banking on some of its properties for relocation sites presently it is intent on developing a 23-hectare land for such purpose. According to Avisado the City has loaned about P100-million for the program which could provide housing for the numerous homeless in the City.

"The lots will be distributed to the qualified beneficiaries." Avisado said. The City administrator bared that those that the city are relocating are not from the City but from different parts of Mindanao. He said that a system will be put in place that would identify the deserving beneficiaries.

Avisado also said that he large cost of the project was due to the mandate of the City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte that the relocation sites will have road networks, water and electric utilities, open spaces and other facilities.

He also said that the City will partner with organizations like Gawad Kalinga or Habitat for Humanity as the partnership will enable the urban program to be less costly.