The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has reaffirmed its commitment to climate resiliency in housing projects under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. This assurance comes in response to President Marcos Jr.’s directive for DHSUD to explore climate-resilient housing designs aimed at mitigating the impacts of natural disasters on human settlements and ensuring the safety of public housing beneficiaries.
“All 4PH projects are of high quality, as they comply with our Building Code, and the government, along with our local government units, is focused on constructing these housing projects,” emphasized Secretary Acuzar. He further added, “DHSUD also ensures that our 4PH projects are not located in hazardous or disaster-prone areas and are aligned with the approved Comprehensive Land Use Plans and Local Shelter Plans of our LGUs.”
In its efforts to promote climate resiliency, the DHSUD is leading the “Plan and Do” or Planado Program. This initiative aims to integrate climate change considerations into urban planning processes, focusing on developing sustainable and resilient communities through streamlined land use planning and coordination with various stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to create cities that can better withstand the effects of climate change, such as flooding and extreme weather events.
Currently, at least 56 projects under the 4PH Program are at various stages of development and construction, with some buildings already completed. Last month, President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos ceremonially turned over the first 4PH units at the Palayan City Township Development in Nueva Ecija to overseas Filipino worker-beneficiaries.
In Bacolod City, the local government unit recently began handing over housing units at the Asenso Yuhum Residences, which is part of the flagship 4PH initiative.
Secretary Acuzar expressed his enthusiasm about the government’s progress in addressing the country’s housing challenges. “These ongoing turnover of units and simultaneous development and construction of housing projects are solid proofs of concepts that 4PH is on the right track. This is proof that we can tap private funds for public housing,” he stated.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment: “There are programs under our government led by our beloved President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to ensure that our housing is safe and of high quality, and that the communities where these housing projects are built are stable and prosperous.”
With these initiatives in place, DHSUD is poised to create a more resilient future for Filipino communities through sustainable housing solutions.