More than 517 households in Iloilo City's San Juan Villanueva-Sian Housing Site in Molo District may now officially own the lots they occupy following the release and signing of Contracts to Sell. The ceremony took place on June 22, 2026, marking a significant milestone for on-site residents who have long awaited formal ownership.
Affordable payment terms for beneficiaries
Under the program, beneficiaries identified as on-site residents can acquire their lots at only P200 per square meter. They are given the opportunity to gradually pay over a period of 10 years under terms designed to be affordable and responsive to their circumstances. This initiative aligns with Mayor Raisa Treñas' priority of housing for all.
During the ceremony, Mayor Treñas emphasized that a truly progressive and inclusive city ensures access to safe and secure housing while creating opportunities for its people. "Sang ginpamangkot ako ni Atty. Peter pila ang ipapay-out nga value, nagsabat ko kon pila man ang ginbakal sang gobyerno 30 years ago. Waay na nag-interes pa, waay na nagdugang pa," said Treñas.
Creating spaces for all Ilonggos
"We are not just building structures for those who are struggling and homeless; we are also actively creating spaces for our rising middle class -- those hard-working Ilonggos who are just starting out in life, building their careers, and raising young families," she added.
Iloilo City Local Housing Office (ICLHO) head Peter Millare said reaching this milestone took years of preparation. The city complied with all requirements of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), including the subdivision survey plan, right-of-way clearances, and other documentary requirements similar to those required of private developers. The ICLHO also conducted occupancy validation and master list rectification.
Decades-long process culminates in license to sell
More than three decades after the Iloilo City Government acquired the property, the DHSUD issued Certificate of Registration No. 0002061 and License to Sell No. 0002068 on September 12, 2024, paving the way for the formal disposition of the lots to qualified beneficiaries. "Pag-abot na to sa Registry of Deeds, without the License to Sell, indi mo ma-transfer ang title. But now, we have License to Sell and Certificate of Registration for the whole Villanueva-Sian. Actually 695 na diri ka homelots pero 517 lang ang nauna," explained Millare.
Path to full ownership and future projects
Once beneficiaries complete their payments to the city, a Deed of Absolute Sale may be executed and the transfer of title processed, with assistance available from the City Government. "Isa man ka bagay ngaa gina-work out naton ang repayment para whatever makolekta naton, gasulod sa socialized housing development fund nga gina-rolling naman naton for another housing project," he added.
The San Juan Villanueva-Sian Housing Site is one of the city's housing initiatives under the "Pasilong" program, alongside Kauswagan Residences, Iloilo Residences Public Rental Housing, Uswag 4PH Condominium Complex, Uswag Residential Complex, Westville Residences, and Batiano Village. "On-site ini sya. Meaning kon diin sila nag-istar sang una amo na na ang gintakus nga para i-process nga mangin ila," the ICLHO head said.
Officials witness signing ceremony
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Undersecretary Michelle Anne Gonzales of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), PCUP Commissioner for the Visayas Atty. Bret B. Monsanto, PCUP Regional Director Chloe Osano-Monsanto, DHSUD Regional Director Eva Maria P. Marfil, ENP, National Youth Commission (NYC) Assistant Secretary Michelle Mae Gonzales, and NYC Representative Kent Rubino. Also in attendance were City Councilors Miguel Treñas, Nene Dela Llana, and Mandrie Malabor, as well as officials of Barangay San Juan, Molo.
