P-Noy launches low-cost housing project for soldiers

MANILA, Philippines -  President Aquino leads today the launching of a low-cost housing project for uniformed personnel and their dependents in Bulacan. Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay and National Housing Authority (NHA) general manager Chito Cruz are expected to attend the event at Barangay Batia in Bocaue, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said yesterday.   

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo were also invited to the project launch. The project is in line with Administrative Order 9, which ordered the NHA to come up with a housing program for military and police personnel nationwide.

The order issued last month allotted P4.2 billion for the construction of 20,000 housing units.

“This development will not only boost the morale of the AFP’s fighting troops but it will also be a constant reminder to the soldiers of their commitment and dedication to their duties as they now become capable of owning houses,” Oban said in a statement.

“The soldiers can now maximize the use of their salary at the same time enjoy the fruits of their hard work and patience,” he added.

Burgos said more than 1,000 soldiers have filed their application for the housing program.

“AFP troopers, particularly those assigned in the field, have been eager in complying with the requirements to become beneficiaries of the housing project,” he said.

The monthly amortization payments shall be based on a 30-year repayment period at an interest rate of 6 percent per annum. Salary deductions for the payment of the monthly amortization shall be arranged between the NHA, Pag-IBIG, the AFP and the PNP.

The housing units will be located in the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal. A 22-square meter row house on a 36-square meter lot and an 18-square meter lot expandable row house on a 40-square meter lot are available for soldiers to choose from in General Trias and Trece Martires in Cavite; Biñan and Calamba in Laguna; Bocaue in Bulacan and Baras and Rodriguez in Rizal.

The 22-square meter row house costs P140,000 where monthly amortization costs P200 for the first five years, slowly increasing to a maximum of P1,307 on the 26th to 30th year.

On the other hand, the 18-square meter house costs P173,000 where monthly amortization costs P400 for the first five years, slowly increasing to a maximum of P1,419 on the 26th to 30th year.

“The affordable house and lot packages will be located in a viable and sustainable communities that will provide and match the income profile as well as the housing preferences of beneficiaries,” Burgos said.

The AFP and PNP will craft a selection criteria to determine the applicants who are qualified to avail of the project.

“Service members will not anymore pay higher rates in renting a house, thus increasing the purchasing power of the soldier’s salary,” Oban said.