President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. | PHOTO: Presidential Communications Office facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will provide around 30,000 housing units for Cebu City residents under its flagship housing project.
Marcos led the groundbreaking of the Cebu City South Coastal Urban Development Housing project under his administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH).
In his speech, the President said it would be a big challenge for the Department of Housing Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to build around one million housing units each year during his term of office.
He, however, said he is confident that it is not impossible to attain such a target.
“Sa tulong ng mga masisipag na kawani ng DHSUD, na pinangungunahan ni Secretary Jerry Acuzar, naniniwala akong kayang-kaya natin itong makamit sa ilalim ng aking panunungkulan,” Marcos said.
(With the help of the DHSUD headed by Secretary Acuzar, I believe we can achieve this goal.)
“Kaya naman hinahamon ko ang DHSUD na manatili kayong matatag upang matupad ang ating pangakong mura at maayos na pabahay para sa mga kababayan nating nangangailangan,” he added.
(That’s why I challenge the DHSUD to remain strong so that they can achieve the promised affordable housing for indigent Filipinos.)
Marcos also said the project is an excellent example of the whole-of-government approach, with all sectors of society contributing for the betterment of the people.
“Ang lahat ng departamento na kailangan na makilahok doon sa lahat ng program, hindi lamang ang housing, hindi lamang ang mga LGU, kung hindi lahat. Kasama natin dyan ang House of Representatives, kasama natin ang mga senador, kasama natin siyempre ang ating private sector na tumutulong sa atin,” he said.
(All departments need to participate in the program, not only the housing department or the LGUs but all. The House of Representatives also participates in the Senate and the private sector.)
According to Malacañang, the initial phase of the housing project in Alumnos, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City, comprises 10 20-story buildings within the 25-hectare development site.
The city is expected to benefit from about 8,000 informal settler families (ISFs) and low-income earners.
Malacañang said the entire South Coastal Urban Development Project comprises three phases in different areas in Cebu City, covering a total of 60 hectares.
Under the housing project, Marcos said his administration starts with identifying and preparing the parcel of land where the housing units would be built.
He said the project aims to benefit minimum wage earners, informal settlers, individuals living in danger zones, and Filipinos who want affordable, simple, and comfortable homes.
The President vowed to keep the amortization of housing units affordable. He earlier said his administration is looking into establishing a P1-billion subsidy fund for its flagship housing program.
“Sisiguruhin din nating mananatiling abot-kaya ang buwanang hulog at bayad para sa mga bahay na ito kaya patuloy po ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kongreso upang maging matagumpay ang programang ito,” he said.
(We will make sure that amortization for the housing units will remain affordable that’s why we continue coordinating with Congress for the success of this program.)
Marcos also thanked the local government of Cebu City and other concerned government agencies for its full support of the housing project.
Aside from the housing units, the President said the government would also build other infrastructure such as schools, markets, health centers, and other business establishments to sustain the community.