LGU Surigao releases certificate of occupancy to 84 Gawad Kalinga families
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- A total of 84 families from the Gawad Kalinga resettlement site in Brgy. Luna received their Certificates of Confirmation on Occupancy from the local government unit (LGU) of Surigao on April 25, during a community gathering held at the Gawad Kalinga covered court, Sitio Looc, here.
It marked a momentous occasion as these families took a significant step toward land tenure. With these documents, they now have formal acknowledgment of their continued residence on the lots they have long occupied—strengthening their security and enabling them to invest more confidently in their homes.
This development is in line with the 2007 Memorandum of Agreement between the city government of Surigao and the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. The LGU acquired the land from i-Cortes Corporation, while Gawad Kalinga supported the construction of houses. Through renewed efforts by the current administration, the initiative moved forward after being stalled for years.
Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II led the distribution of certificates, joined by Vice Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra and City Councilors Karl Duane Casurra, Baltazar Abian, Joenil Aldonza, and Joshua Emilio Geli.
Also present were City Administrator Cristina PariΓ±as, City Assessor Araceli Dela Rosa, City Legal Officer Lex Joshua Andrew Silvosa, Zoning Officer Halan Besario, Homesite and Regulation Officer Marlow Gorgonio, and OIC-City Planning and Development Officer Ma. Theresa Trinidad, EnP.
Punong Barangay Neil Vincent Aldonza of Luna and the Homeowners Association President were also in attendance, warmly welcomed by the community.
The city government of Surigao reaffirmed its commitment to secure, inclusive, and sustainable housing for all Surigaonons. (Surigao City- PIO/PIA Surigao del Norte)