TO address the 6.5 million housing backlog, President Marcos Jr. yesterday said the government is looking to put up more midrise to high-rise low-cost housing, especially in urban areas.
The President, addressing the ceremonies for the awarding of certificates and turnover of 30,000 low-cost housing in Naic, Cavite under the National Housing Authority (NHA), said the housing program is reminiscent of the “Bliss” housing program of his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos, where midrise houses were put up in urban areas to accommodate more families who do not have homes of their own.
Marcos said instead of just midrise houses, the government would also build high-rise affordable houses to accommodate more people.
“Ngayon dahil mahirap na, siguro baka pataasin pa natin. Baka puwede na nating itaas hanggang high-rise na. Ngunit pinag-aaralan natin ito, siguro case-to-case ito (Now that the situation is more difficult, maybe we could make it higher. Maybe we can turn it into a high-rise. But this will be studied further and likely be (on a) case-to-case basis),” he said.
He recalled that when he was still a senator, the housing backlog was around 3.5 million that has now risen to 6.5 million.
He said the goal of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and NHA is to build around 1 million to 1.3 million houses per year for six years or until the end of his term.
Marcos said the government is finding a way to organize different agencies such as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and NHA, along with the local government units (LGUs), legislature, and other national government offices to find a solution to the country’s increasing need for more shelters.
He said among the things to consider is the proximity of the houses to the place of employment — which means travel to and from the house to place of work should be an hour or less — and the availability of school and market, among others.
He also directed the NHA to ensure that families who received a new home are provided a means of livelihood and urged LGUs to support the national government in its endeavor.
He also instructed that the safety of the housing recipients be assured and ensure the houses built are strong enough to withstand the threat posed by natural calamities.
“Patuloy ninyong pagtibayin ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kaakibat na ahensiya, mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga pribadong organisasyon. Hangarin natin na matiyak na may sapat na suporta ang lahat ng mga benepisyaryo ng mga bagong tirahang ito (Continue to strengthen your coordination with other agencies, local government, and private organizations. We hope to ensure that new housing beneficiaries will receive ample support),” the President said.
Marcos also urged the housing beneficiaries to take care and value their new homes and to help improve their new community.
Each beneficiary is awarded a 26-square meter home that is payable for 30 years.
For the first five years of amortization, the minimum monthly payment will be between P600 to 800 pesos, to be raised after five years.
Among those who attended the event were DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., NHA General Manager Joeben Tai, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Cavite Representatives Aniela Bianca Tolentino and Lani Revilla, Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla; Vice Gov. Athena Bryana Tolentino; and Naic, Cavite Mayor Raffy Dualan.
