More families will soon have keys to their own homes as the Manila city government prepares to formally turn over the San Sebastian Residences on Thursday.

This comes as Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Tuesday presented the first 20 tenants who will be among the 299 beneficiaries of the Pedro Gil Residences, another city-funded housing project.

“The San Sebastian Residences tower we proudly inaugurate on Thursday has 243 residential units. Each one is rent-to-own, similar to the 299 units at the Pedro Gil Residences we launched yesterday,” Lacuna said in a statement.

“We built these residential projects to ensure that our constituents live with the dignity they deserve as Manileño homeowners,” she added.

Lacuna also stressed the significance of these housing projects, saying they represent “genuine dignity, hope and social justice” for their future residents.

“Some of these homeowners today receive the symbolic keys to their new residences. It is with great pride that we are able to help them achieve their dreams of home ownership,” Lacuna said.

The mayor also highlighted the city government’s efforts to make the rent-to-own model accessible to more Manileños.

“Our administration found ways to make the rent-to-own model happen,” Lacuna said. “Those solutions are being rolled out now, and they respect the dignity of Manileños who have less in life.”

The 20-story San Sebastian Residences offers 243 residential units and 57 parking slots. The ground floor will house a health center, police substation, administrative office and lobby.

Meantime, the fourth floor features a swimming pool, function room, and fitness center, providing residents with recreational amenities. The building also boasts a roof garden to reduce ambient temperatures and a play area for outdoor activities. Four elevators serve all floors, and water treatment facilities are located on the roof deck.