The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), in collaboration with Pag-IBIG Fund led the groundbreaking ceremony and laying of the time capsule of the CEZA housing project at Barangay Diora-Zinungan in Sta. Ana, Cagayanon July 9, 2019 intended for the employees working in the Cagayan Freeport Zone.

Highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CEZA and Pag-IBIG, the project is situated in the7.3-hectare CEZA property overlooking green hills and the Pacific Ocean.

Secretary Raul L. Lambino, CEZA Administrator and CEO, said the dwelling project will be a dream come truefor CEZA employees, both permanent and contractual, to have affordable housing loans which they can avail under Pag-IBIG End-User Home Financing Program. “The CEZA and Pag-IBIGare in agreement to building a place that the people of Sta. Ana will be happy to call their home. A place where they can come together in strong, thriving communities for the generations to come,” he said,adding that they plan to build 500 housing units with 80-square meter lot area.

Aside from employees of CEZA, the project will also be opened later to the whole community of Sta. Ana and other towns of Cagayan. According to Secretary Lambino, the construction was conceptualized a long time ago and finally a groundbreaking has been made to pave the way for the full construction of the CEZA housing project.

“The CEZA wants the best always for the people of Sta. Ana, the everyday Juan Dela Cruz. We strive to give them the security and dignity they need to build a better life,” he said.

In his speech, the Secretary emphasized that housing is the key to a better lifeand that he is mindful that it isn’t just about providing a shed over one’s head, but it is in providing a quality home for the everyday Juan Dela Cruz.The basis of personal security and stability, which rightly makes it CEZA’s priority.

“Today, a new and progressive housing project will be erected on this very spot. We believe that the people of Sta. Ana deserves nothing less than a quality home on a very strategic site to our growing Freeport,” Secretary Lambino said.

While the project would primarily focus on CEZA employees, only those who are capable of paying housing loan amortization will be approved. Dwelling units will be paid by the beneficiaries on a monthly basis depending on the years of amortization accorded to them.CEZA also plans to build parking space,open space and mini sports complex for the homebuyers to enjoy.

CEZA Deputy Administrator Agrimero A. Cruz Jr., on the other hand, commended the CEZA administration for conceptualizing a praise-worthy project that is aimed at uplifting the lives of the people in Sta. Ana,and improving the quality of life of its employees, by promoting ownership.

Expressing elation over the recent development, Secretary Lambino said he is happy to see how thehousing mission projecthas turned into reality.

“In the past 20 years, CEZA employees were often the last consideration when it comes to delivering homes, when they should have been the first,” he said.

The Secretary also emphasized that this is not just his economic mission as the Administrator and CEO of CEZA, but,“it is my moral mission to give our locals access to decent and livable housing. It is about social justice and building a fairer and stronger Sta. Ana, Cagayan that truly fits for the future generations.”

Raymundo T. Roquero, Special Assistant to the CEZA Administrator/CEO for Investment and Promotion, said CEZA workers expressed interest in this project and the construction is expected to be ready by this year. Land development works such as the concreting of the main roadsgoing to the siteare now in progress.Mr. Roquero said other projects at the Freeport in Sta. Ana are also being pursued. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Leonardo C. Cruz, Head Technical Assistant/OIC-Cagayan Offices, welcomed the officials of Pag-IBIG led by Senior Vice President for Business Development Sector Fermin A. Sta. Teresa Jr., members of media, and guests.He also served as witness during the MOU signing.

Among those CEZA officials who attended the signing were Directors Arturo P. Bautista, Jose D. Balayon, Ernesto J. Fueconcillo, Milton Alingod, Jaime R. Escano, and Leon Montemayor.