TACLOBAN CITY – The Baybay City government is moving forward with a P50-million housing project aimed at providing affordable and decent homes for government employees, with construction of the first 25 units scheduled to begin this year.
Mayor Jose Carlos Cari announced the initiative during Baybay City’s 19th Cityhood Celebration on June 16, 2026, attended by city officials, barangay leaders, clergy members, private sector representatives, and Leyte 5th District Representative Carl Nicolas Cari.
The housing project will rise on a city-owned property in Barangay Maitum and will initially consist of 25 housing units, including both single-storey and two-storey designs.
The city government has earmarked around P50 million for the project’s first phase. Prospective beneficiaries will be given the option to choose between single-detached and row-house units based on their housing preferences.
Mayor Cari said the detailed engineering design is currently being finalized, while the city government is also preparing the guidelines and eligibility requirements for government employees interested in availing themselves of the program.
He emphasized that the housing initiative will not be exclusive to City Hall personnel. Employees assigned to provincial government offices, the Department of Education, and other national government agencies may also qualify.
“You will be entitled to a decent housing project initiated by the city government,” Cari said.
In addition to the city-funded development, the local government is exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with private developers to build more housing units for government workers in Barangay Hibunawan.
Cari said the city recognizes the need for housing options that can better accommodate larger families, noting that some existing national government housing designs may not fully address their needs.
To support the future housing communities, utility providers have started expanding essential infrastructure in the area.
The Leyte V Electric Cooperative has begun constructing a 25-kilovolt substation, while the Baybay City Water District, with assistance from the provincial government, has completed a water reservoir and pipeline network project.
The housing initiative forms part of the city government’s broader efforts to improve the welfare of public servants and address the growing demand for affordable housing in Baybay City.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
