President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday inaugurated the 20-storey San Lazaro Residences in Sta. Cruz, Manila, a socialized vertical housing project that will benefit nearly 400 families. The President lauded the initiative as an exemplary model for local government units (LGUs) across the country to replicate, highlighting the importance of building comprehensive communities, not just houses.
The San Lazaro Residences, located at Alvarez and Quiricada Streets in Sta. Cruz features 382 units, each comprising two bedrooms, a living and dining area, a kitchen, and a toilet and bath.
President Marcos emphasized that a true housing project must encompass more than just shelter. “In all the housing we have done in the national government, we always say it is not enough to just build a house or give a unit. Because the life of a person is not just about housing,” the President stated.
The Chief Executive commended the City Government of Manila—specifically former Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and the City Council—for implementing the Manila Urban Housing Ordinance. This ordinance officially provides housing for low-income Manila residents and government employees with a Salary Grade 18 and below.
“When other LGUs see this, they will imitate it, because this is a very good model that you have created,” President Marcos affirmed.
He stressed the efficacy of a strong partnership between national and local governments, noting that the speedy completion of the project, constructed through a PhP1.9 billion loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, demonstrates what can be achieved with good coordination.
The project goes beyond providing safe, adequate, and comfortable shelter by incorporating crucial community features and amenities, including:
Health Facility: The Manila Public Health Laboratory, a primary city-level diagnostics and surveillance facility.
Recreational Amenities: A swimming pool, a function room, and an outdoor activity area.
Commercial Spaces and Offices: An administration office and commercial spaces on the ground floor.
The project also makes housing affordable, with qualified tenants making a monthly contribution set at PhP2,000 for minimum wage earners and government workers with Salary Grade 8 and below, and PhP3,000 for those earning above minimum wage and government workers with SG 9 to 18.
San Lazaro Residences adds to Manila’s roster of completed in-city vertical housing projects, which include Tondominium 1 and 2, Binondominium 1, Pedro Gil Residences, and San Sebastian Residences. The city government also plans future projects, including Binondominium Projects 2 and 3 and the Bureau of Plant Industry in-city vertical housing.
