In a significant move to support its workforce, the Manila city government has awarded 20 of its employees rent-to-own condominium units at the newly inaugurated Pedro Gil Residences. The event, marked by a celebratory ceremony, was led by Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo, who handed over the keys to the fortunate recipients selected through a public raffle.
The rent-to-own scheme allows these city hall workers to pay a monthly rent between PHP2,000 and PHP3,000. Over time, these payments will accumulate until the full price of the unit is met, at which point the employees will receive the title deeds to their homes. Mayor Lacuna emphasized the shift from lifelong renting to ownership, stating, “From now on, the payment you make every month will allow you to own the unit since this housing project is rent-to-own.”
The Pedro Gil Residences, a 20-story building, features 299 residential units, 143 parking spaces, five commercial areas, five elevators, a swimming pool, a fitness room, a function room, a roof deck, and both indoor and outdoor activity areas. One of the beneficiaries, Bernardo Manuel from the City Planning Development Office, expressed his gratitude and commitment to maintaining his new home, which he had only dreamed of owning before.
Additionally, the building houses a new super health center, offering free medical services including laboratory exams, ultrasounds, and X-rays, as well as facilities for dental care and minor surgeries. Mayor Lacuna, a doctor herself, highlighted the importance of enhancing healthcare services, particularly for senior citizens, and confirmed that the health center meets the Department of Health’s standards for primary healthcare facilities.