THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) anticipates significant progress this year, particularly in executing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
In a report released by DHSUD, Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the recent approval of P13 billion revolving credit lines by the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund is vital support for the Pambansang Pabahay initiative.
Last year, under Acuzar’s leadership, the Pag-IBIG Fund Board greenlit revolving credit lines of P12 billion and P929 million for the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), respectively.
These credit lines pave the way for developing and constructing over 11,000 housing units by the NHA and SHFC, aligning with the 4PH program.
“These approved credit lines not only sustain our positive momentum in the nationwide implementation of Pambansang Pabahay but also enhance private sector confidence,” emphasized Acuzar.
“We anticipate increased participation from private partners, including financial institutions, developers, and contractors, in the program this year,” he added.
Currently, 17 projects under the flagship “Pambansang Pabahay” are underway at various stages of development and construction across the nation.
Acuzar announced that approximately 300 units at the Asenso Yuhum Residences in Bacolod City, spearheaded by Mayor Albee Benitez, are primed for turnover, with more units slated for delivery in the coming months.
“I am confident that 2024 will mark a milestone year for our President’s Pambansang Pabahay. We are steadily reaping the fruits of our labor,” asserted Acuzar.
He added, “This is our way of reciprocating President Marcos Jr.’s unwavering support to DHSUD.”
Acuzar lauded Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Executive Orders (EOs) 34 and 35 as significant catalysts for DHSUD’s mandate fulfillment, particularly in sustainable housing, human settlements, and urban development.
These EOs underscore Marcos Jr.’s commitment not only to the 4PH program but also to overall sector development, prioritizing the welfare of the underprivileged.
EO 34 designates “Pambansang Pabahay” as the government’s flagship program, mandating all government agencies, including government-owned corporations, to submit inventories of available lands, while EO 35 establishes the Inter-agency Council for Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), also under DHSUD.
In addition to spearheading “Pambansang Pabahay,” DHSUD fulfills its core mandates, including policy formulation, environmental land use and urban planning, housing and real estate development regulations, homeowners and community developments, and technical advisory roles.
From January to November 2023, the Department issued licenses to sell (LS) for 642 projects, comprising 489 new and 153 amended licenses, totaling 123,985 residential and 256,834 non-residential units. LS issuance ensures project compliance with prescribed standards, safeguarding homebuyers.
Moreover, 15,839 real estate dealers, brokers, and/or salespersons were registered to ensure buyer protection with accredited sellers.
On urban development, the Department reported that 754 local government units have approved Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) for sustainable and resilient human settlements. It reviewed 108 CLUPs, Provincial Physical Framework Plans, and Zoning Ordinances for compliance with land use and urban planning guidelines.
As of October 2023, 24,571 registered homeowners’ associations, 224 federations, and 29 confederations are under monitoring nationwide.
In another development, DHSUD, along with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Metro Manila mayors, have outlined actions for the 4PH program.
At the recent Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting, DHSUD reported 170,000 units or 55 projects under construction in different Metro Manila locations.
The 4PH program aims to provide decent housing and leverage the sector’s potential impact on the economy. Informal settler families (ISFs) will be temporarily relocated to government staging areas during construction, ensuring permanent transfer upon project completion.
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos emphasized the role of Metro Manila LGUs in identifying idle government lands for housing programs and staging areas.
“We envision in-city relocation to prevent ISF displacement,” said Abalos.
MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes announced plans for a Technical Working Group to facilitate LGUs’ inventories of available lands for the program.
San Juan City mayor and MMC president Francis Zamora affirmed Metro Manila’s commitment to the 4PH program, aiming to eradicate informal settler families and provide decent housing across the metropolis.
Zamora suggested incentives for owners who offer idle properties as staging areas, aligning with the program’s objectives.
