The city government here turned over the keys to buyer-beneficiaries of the 64-unit second tower of the Asenso Yuhum Residences, its shelter project under the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, in Barangay Vista Alegre on Saturday.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who led turnover rites with other city officials, congratulated the homeowners for making an investment seen to increase in value in the coming years.

“This is one program that will greatly benefit the people of Bacolod, a decent and affordable housing, that is being developed into a world-class township,” Benitez said.

The first batch, also composed of 64 occupants, received their housing units in Building 1 in January.

An initial 296 buyer-beneficiaries, approved through the Home Mutual Development (Pag-IBIG) Fund, will occupy the first four towers.

The third building has 80 units while the fourth has 88, according to the Bacolod Housing Authority.

“The Yuhum housing has facilities that they could not enjoy in rental houses. You have a clubhouse that can be used by all unit owners. We will establish a mini hospital here. A nearby skate park with multi-purpose gymnasium will soon be inaugurated,” Benitez said.

The Asenso Yuhum Residences’ wide-open space also has a park, swimming pool, basketball court, commercial spaces and parking lots.

“I have long dreamed of owning a home. It’s difficult to rent a place and when I heard about this housing program that is affordable, I asked my son and my daughter-in-law to help me avail of the housing unit. I’m so happy,” Fely Lindio, who will soon turn 64, said.

Hanica Po, 29, a virtual assistant, said the housing unit will be a new home for her partner and their children.

“I’m happy that we now have our place in Bacolod. We were only renting before,” she added.

Jermie Falcis, 24, a resident of Barangay Villamonte, said she bought a housing unit as investment “while the price is still low and affordable.” (PNA)