Villar bats for extensive agenda on housing

Former Speaker Manny Villar said yesterday that pursuing a comprehensive, large-scale housing program will not only provide decent shelter to homeless Filipinos, but likewise help solve the country's unemployment problem.

"Putting in place a comprehensive housing program will also give jobs to Filipinos and help jump-start the economy," Villar said.

The former Speaker, points out that a housing program will have a "multiplier effect" on the economy as several industries will benefit from a housing boon.

Villar, who is assured of a Senate slot owing to his strong position in the standings, has vowed to pursue a program of providing decent homes and adequate jobs for Filipinos.

"A massive mass-housing program will definitely prop up the economy and benefit several industries," said Villar.

As a homebuilder prior to his entry into politics, Villar was able to build more than 100,000 low-cost homes made affordable to ordinary Filipinos. This in effect created more than a million jobs throughout the country.

"Solving the housing problem will go hand in hand with curbing the unemployment rate," Villar observed.

The country's housing backlog currently stands at more than two million units, with thousands of squatter families living in urban centers in makeshift homes.

"The housing problems must be immediately addressed and I am glad that it is one of the priorities of the new administration of President Arroyo," he said.