DHSUD to fast-track 4PH rollout in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration would speed up the rollout of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program in Metro Manila as other regions advance with the turnover of completed housing units under the 4PH program, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development said yesterday.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said there are still ongoing 4PH projects in the National Capital Region while dozens are in advanced stages of construction and development in regions outside the NCR.

The turnover of housing units to beneficiaries has started and is continuing in the cities of Palayan and Bacolod, he said.

The DHSUD said it was preparing to turn over 4PH projects to beneficiaries in San Mateo, Rizal; San Fernando City in Pampanga; Davao City, and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

“While we are turning over the completed 4PH buildings, the construction of other projects continues. So we can say that the formula is complete. We now have clear proofs of concept of 4PH – those completed and turned over housing units,” Acuzar said.

“Here in (Metro Manila), we have started the 4PH projects. We will focus on that to accelerate it because this is where the largest number of informal settler families are situated. They are our priority,” he added.

Acuzar said the DHSUD has identified priority areas in the NCR that are envisioned to be transformed into sustainable township developments.

Of the ongoing 4PH projects in Metro Manila, two are located in Caloocan City while others are in Manila, Quezon City and San Juan.

In Pasay City, the DHSUD has established a staging area that will temporarily shelter informal settler families who will eventually benefit from the 4PH project.

Other local government units in Metro Manila have signed memoranda of understanding with the DHSUD, expressing intent to join the 4PH, including the LGUs of Pasig, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Parañaque, Valenzuela and Malabon.

Before the Holy Week break, Acuzar inspected the Port Town housing project in Parola, Tondo, Manila. He was accompanied by Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene Acosta and Social Housing Finance Corp. president Federico Laxa.

Acuzar proceeded to the 4H project site in Quezon City.

He directed those in charge of the two projects to expedite the construction of houses without compromising quality and standards.