Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso led the raffle of 100 housing units for qualified beneficiaries under the city’s in-city vertical housing program, describing the event as one of the most fulfilling moments in his decades-long public service.
The draw of lots, conducted alongside Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, selected 100 beneficiaries out of 1,554 verified applicants for units located in San Lazaro, Pedro Gil, and San Sebastian Residences.
“Mahirap maging iskwater.”
“Masaya ako. Wholeheartedly masaya ako. Pangarap ko ito sa inyo, bagay na hindi ko nakamit noong bata ako. Mahirap maging iskwater,” Domagoso said after the raffle.
Recalling his own childhood without stable housing, the mayor said the program is meant to give families the security he once lacked.
Domagoso said the effort traces back to nearly three decades of advocacy, from his time as City Councilor and Vice Mayor pushing “Land for the Landless” policies, to implementing in-city vertical housing projects as mayor.
“Buong buhay ko, bilang mambabatas sa Konseho, bilang Vice Mayor, makikita niyo ang mga batas na ipinasa ko katulong ang mga kasama kong Konsehal ay puro Land for the Landless program,” he said.
“Noong nag-Mayor po tayo, isinatotoo po natin ang Land for the Landless, nagtayo naman tayo ng in-city vertical housing,” Domagoso added.
He also assured beneficiaries and applicants that the city government would continue investing in what he described as “minimum basic needs,” particularly housing, education, healthcare and jobs.
Under the program, beneficiaries will occupy 42-square-meter units with two bedrooms and access to amenities such as health centers, function rooms, and security services.
Monthly amortization ranges from ₱2,000 to ₱3,000, significantly lower than typical rental costs in the city.
While ownership of the housing units remains with the city government to prevent abuse and resale, Domagoso said beneficiaries are protected under local ordinances, including provisions allowing succession to family members.
Payments made by occupants may also be returned if they eventually choose to relocate.
He said the city aims to sustain and expand the housing initiative through reinvestment of collections, with future projects already in the pipeline.
“Ibinabalik natin ang dignidad ng bawat pamilya.”
“We want our people living comfortably, safe. Ibinabalik natin ang dignidad ng bawat pamilya. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t kaya natin. Ang susunod natin: Binondominium 3, 4, 5, until ubos na lahat ng squatter sa tabing-ilog at ilalim ng tulay,” Domagoso explained.
A total of 100 beneficiaries were selected from 1,554 verified applicants, whose submissions were screened and validated by the Manila Urban Settlements Office (MUSO).
The raffle was streamed live on Facebook, with the Mayor emphasizing transparency and equal opportunity, particularly for walk-in applicants and renters without property.
