Some of the families that were affected by a recent rockfall in Naga City are among the initial 56 beneficiaries of the city government’s low-cost housing program, which is moving forward despite rising construction costs.
The city has prioritized 18 families in barangay Uling who were affected by the rockfall, while the other initial number of beneficiaries are from barangay Cantao-an, Mayana, Lanas, Naalad, Tangke, Cogon and Lutac.
Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the housing program was conceptualized last year but has faced several challenges, including delays and higher prices of construction materials amid the fuel crisis.
‘Daghang [Major] challenges because this was conceptualized na last year pa,’ Chiong said, noting that the original allocation is no longer sufficient to cover the increasing cost of construction.
The city initially allocated P28 million in 2025 for 160 housing units, with a budget of P160,000 per unit. Due to the increase in material prices, the city is raising the allocation to P200,000 per house this year.
About P20 million has been set aside for the construction of another 100 houses under this year’s allocation.
Chiong said 77 housing units are currently under construction, while the city is also taking measures to help reduce construction expenses.
The local government has asked suppliers to deliver aggregates and other construction materials to City Hall, allowing the city to handle their delivery to project sites.
‘We asked them to deliver the aggregates here at City Hall, and we will be the ones to deliver them to the project sites,’ Chiong said.
The project, which is a city-led initiative that aims to address woes on housing backlogs, will provide 20-square-meter houses free of charge to qualified beneficiaries. It is intended for families living in damaged, overcrowded or substandard homes, including those whose roofs, walls and other portions of their houses have deteriorated.
However, Chiong said the city cannot immediately proceed with all the originally targeted units because some identified beneficiaries are living on land they do not own.
‘We need a consent or deed of donation from the owner of the land because what we are extending is only the houses,’ he said. The mayor said barangay officials are helping identify families who are most in need of housing assistance. Beneficiaries are also required to provide documentation, including photographs of their existing houses.
City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Joveno Garcia said the program is designed to address the city’s housing backlog while improving the living conditions of vulnerable families.
‘Providing housing is essential to improving the quality of life of vulnerable families by ensuring access to secure, durable and healthy living environments,’ Garcia said.
Garcia said the project will also generate jobs for local residents during construction and stimulate demand for locally sourced materials.
He added that the initiative supports social equity and inclusive development by giving economically disadvantaged families access to affordable and dignified housing.
The housing program also forms part of Naga’s efforts to assist families living in areas vulnerable to hazards, particularly landslides and rockfalls.
Despite the challenges, Chiong said the city government remains committed to finding ways to continue the program and provide safer homes for families in need.