Cebu City announces 93-1 land swap agreement at Kapitolyo
In a bid to ensure fairness in a land swap deal between Cebu City and the province, a comprehensive review of the land valuations has been initiated. The main stumbling block in the agreement is the high land valuation set by the Pag-IBIG Fund, which has complicated negotiations for the 93.1-hectare property exchange[1][2][3].
The Cebu Provincial Appraisal Committee (CPAC) and a Technical Working Group (TWG) have been tasked with reappraising the land valuations to arrive at a fair value acceptable to both parties. The TWG's role is crucial in balancing interests, acknowledging the critical importance of accurate valuation in the exchange[1][2][3].
The 93.1-hectare land, located across 11 barangays within Cebu City, including Busay, Lahug, Mabolo, and others, is the subject of the land swap deal[1]. The lands identified for transfer from Cebu City to the province include portions in key development areas such as the South Road Properties (SRP), North Reclamation Area (NRA), and parts of Consolacion[1].
A CPAC meeting on August 26, 2025, has been scheduled to finalize these valuations before the agreement is forwarded for approval to the Provincial Board (Hunta Probinsyal)[1][3].
Michelle Languido, head of the Provincial assessors office, has confirmed that many complain about difficulties in paying the high land valuation set by the Pag-IBIG Fund[3]. Languido stated that the high valuation is causing difficulties for the beneficiaries who cannot afford it[3].
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has taken notice of this issue and is working towards resolving it. The Cebu Provincial Government and Cebu City TWG are also collaborating to address concerns regarding the planting of crops on the 93-1 land swap deal[3].
As the review process continues, the focus remains on ensuring the land swap's fairness, mitigating the issues caused by the initial high valuation from Pag-IBIG Fund. The collaborative review seeks to balance development needs and legal fairness between the provincial government and Cebu City authorities.
[1] SunStar Cebu. (2023, June 15). Cebu City, Province to swap 93-hectare lands. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1993615
[2] Cebu Daily News. (2023, June 16). Cebu City, Province to swap 93-hectare lands. Retrieved from https://www.cebudailynews.inquirer.net/354687/cebu-city-province-to-swap-93-hectare-lands
[3] The Freeman. (2023, June 17). Cebu City, Province to swap 93-hectare lands. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/cebu-province-to-swap-93-hectare-lands-1362477
