JV Ejercito to prioritize in-city, on-site, and near-city housing for urban poor

Screenshot of former Senator JV Ejercito from his Facebook account.

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said he will ensure the smooth implementation of in-city, on-site, and near-city housing programs for the urban poor.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas, Ejercito cited the success of in-city, medium-rise housing projects in San Juan City, where he previously served as Mayor, as well as in Valenzuela City.

“Kaya nga po ako, lalo na po sa urban centers, ang ating thrust ay in-city or on-site or near-city housing. Iyon ay atin pong medium-rise housing units na ginawa namin dito sa San Juan na ginawa din sa Valenzuela, naging successful po,” he said.

“Iyan po ay dating informal settler community na talagang masukal. Pero nakita niyo naman ngayon, from shanty owner o yung tinatawag na squatter, ngayon ay condominium owner na,” he said.

For non-urban settlements, the former Senator said he will ensure that housing programs will adopt a township development framework, which aims to establish holistic communities with full access to various basic social services.

“Doon naman po sa ibang housing development, ang proposal natin ay township development. Kaya nga po human settlements. Kailangan kasama ang educational facilities. Kasama ang access to healthcare facilities. Kasama ang access to transportation hubs o di kaya malapit sa lugar na pagtratrabahuan,” Ejercito said.

Ejercito said he hopes to return to the Senate after the general elections this May to ensure the full implementation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Law, which he principally sponsored.

Under the said law, all existing housing agencies will be consolidated into a full-fledged department that will implement the government’s socialized housing programs.

“Kaya gusto kong makabalik sa Senado para masigurado natin na tama ang implementasyon at nasa tamang direksyon,” he said.

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