BAGUIO CITY – The Human Settlements Development Corporation (HSDC) said that almost all the tenants of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex are in good standing following the institution of the necessary measures to ensure a clean slate prior to the turnover of the administration and management of the facility to the city government.
HSDC and Maharlika Livelihood Complex general manager retired Maj. Gen. Robert Arevalo said that the attached agency of the agriculture department made sure that the tenants will be in good standing prior to the turnover of the management to the city to avoid possible problems relative to their obligations with the corporation.
He claimed that when he took over the corporation last year, there were some PhP30 million in accrued obligations of the tenants but through constant engagement with these individuals, the issue had been addressed.
Arevalo pointed out that when he took over, his task was to ensure the smooth transition from the corporation to the city government upon the lapse of the 50-year agreement on April 28, 2025 which was extended for one month to further smoothen the transition.
For his part, Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro said that the agency is optimistic that new management would result to more progress, partnerships and prosperity for the tenants and the city.
Navarro represented Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel during the turnover of the management of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex to the city government last Wednesday at the lobby of one of the commercial hubs right at the heart of the city.
The agriculture official expressed his gratitude to the tenants for having stayed with the corporation through the past several decades that contributed in spurring the economic activities in the facility that opened opportunities for micro-small and medium enterprises to flourish.
The HSDC and city government joint transition teams are now closely working on the mechanisms of transferring the documents, properties and equipment to ensure transparency and accountability once the city will fully takeover the administration and management of the facility in a bid to making it a showcase of the city’s heritage and robust economy. By Dexter A. See
