Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Wednesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program is further empowering local government units in addressing shelter woes within the localities.
Acuzar said under the Department Circular 2023-004, DHSUD granted authority to partner-LGUs to execute and implement measures and bridge their respective housing gaps under the 4PH program.
LGUs will act as the lead proponent in the implementation of the housing projects under the program.
The DHSUD secretary said this provision will expedite the agency’s plan to provide housing units and develop livable communities for informal settler families, low-income earners and the underprivileged Filipinos.
“In our discussions with LGUs, we have developed this housing program with flexibility particularly on financing aspect, following the applicable laws, government rules and guidelines,” Acuzar explained.
He added that the task and responsibilities of LGUs include identification of sites suitable for housing and mixed-use development, processing of developmental loans for housing project, identification of beneficiaries and development of project concept.
The circular also stated that LGUs must formulate local policies and programs to support and facilitate project financing, construction and property management
“With our help, local leaders must deliver their commitments as we aim for the sustainability of this massive housing project. If DHSUD, LGUs, government financial institutions and private partners will work together, we can progressively address or even put an end to the country’s housing backlog,” Acuzar pointed out.
On the other hand, DHSUD shall provide technical assistance and capacitate LGUs officials and personnel in facilitating the processes, particularly in providing access to funds and estate management.
In the recent engagements of DHSUD officials, some local chief executives have pledged to donate land resources for the administration’s flagship housing program. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was the first to heed this call, Acuzar said.
As of January 31, DHSUD has sealed 63 memorandums of understanding with LGUs and led 15 groundbreaking activities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The housing czar reminded LGUs to begin enrollment to ‘Pambasang Pabahay’ as President Marcos recently urged the Congress to include the requested budget for housing interest support in the General Appropriations for the succeeding years.
The DHSUD is seeking P36 billion in interest support annually for one million housing units. Under 4PH, DHSUD is tasked to build 6 million units until 2028.