Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has announced that the local government is actively working to resolve significant delays plaguing a major socialized housing initiative in Barangay Lorega San Miguel. The holdup centers on an unfinished medium-rise building (MRB) that is part of the city's expanded housing program.
Documentation Issues Stall P200 Million Project
During a press conference held on December 22, 2025, Mayor Archival identified unresolved documentation problems as the core cause of the delay. He clarified that while there are no issues with the land itself, the contractor has yet to turnover necessary documents, and there are pending complaints that must be settled.
"Once everything is settled, we will immediately resume the work," Archival stated. The two MRBs in Lorega represent a combined project cost of approximately P200 million, with over P100 million already disbursed by the city.
Hundreds of Families Await Homes
The two buildings are constructed on a 1,350-square-meter property owned by the Cebu City Government. The first MRB, built by Cebu Landmasters Inc., was completed and has been fully occupied since July 2023, providing homes for around 100 families selected based on need.
The second, city-funded MRB remains unfinished. Once the documentation impasse is cleared, the city targets completing and turning over more than 200 housing units in this building, significantly boosting Cebu City's limited stock of socialized housing.
Expansion Plans for Typhoon Victims Face Hurdles
Looking beyond the Lorega project, Mayor Archival revealed plans to construct additional MRBs to address the growing number of families displaced by typhoons. Many of these families are currently staying in temporary shelters like barangay gymnasiums and public school classrooms, which are deemed unsuitable for long-term habitation.
However, this expansion also faces delays. The city has identified properties in Barangay Talamban and Barangay Duljo Fatima for new MRBs, but these lands are currently owned by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).
While a land transfer has been approved in principle, Archival noted that the timeline for construction depends on how quickly the formal transfer of ownership and finalization of documents can be completed. "The land transfer has already been approved, but the documents still need to be finalized. That is one of the factors causing delays," he explained.
The city government emphasizes that these future MRBs will prioritize relocating typhoon victims and families who have endured extended stays in evacuation centers.
