CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The national government is implementing several initiatives to improve access to affordable housing and meet the growing demand for homes.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)-10 outlined these key programs during the Housing & Construction Congress and Expo held at the Atrium of Limketkai Center on November 12-14, 2024.
A central program is the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, a flagship initiative of the Marcos administration to build one million homes annually over the next six years.
“Sa ilalim ng 4PH, hindi lamang basta bubong sa ibabaw ng mga ulo ng ating mga kababayan ang ating itinatayo, kundi mga dekalitad at tunay na maipagmamalaking condominium-type housing units sa mauunlad at matatatag na lugar na kung saan ma-enjoy ng ating mga karaniwang kababayan ang amenities tulad ng maluwag na open parks at clubhouse na dati ay para lamang sa mga mayayaman. Sinisigurado rin ng DHSUD na malapit ang ating mga proyekto sa eskwalahan, trabaho, hospital, palengke, at iba pa ang mga pangangailangan,” said DHSUD Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III in a video message.
(Under the 4PH program, we are not just building roofs over people’s heads but quality, condominium-style housing units in thriving, stable areas. These homes offer amenities like spacious open parks and clubhouses that were once exclusive to the wealthy. The DHSUD ensures our projects are close to schools, workplaces, hospitals, markets, and other essential services.)
DHSUD-10 Assistant Regional Director Rey Niog said that 4PH reduces interest rates by subsidizing five percent of the outstanding rate, making homeownership more affordable for low-to-middle-income families.
The 4PH projects in the region include the Klarexville Housing Project in Brgy. Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro, which consists of 20 five-storey buildings with 2,200 units; the Valley View Township in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, comprising 25 thirteen-storey buildings with 10,400 units; the Asenso Baroy Towers in Baroy, Lanao del Norte, consisting of two buildings with 313 units; the Panguil Bay Tower and Residences in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, featuring two fifteen-storey buildings with 700 units; and the Phividec Housing Project in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, which includes 18 twelve-storey buildings with 5,184 units.
In addition to the 4PH program, Niog shared the government’s housing loan programs, particularly those offered through Pag-IBIG, which provides low-interest loans to qualified members.
He pointed out the enforcement of Subdivision and Condominium Law, which regulates residential developments and requires developers to include affordable housing units. The government also provides tax incentives to encourage developers to build affordable housing.
Despite the progress made through these initiatives, Niog acknowledged ongoing challenges in the housing sector. He explained that steady population growth in the region has led to increased demand for housing.
“As of 2021, the urbanization level of Region 10 is already more than 50 percent. While urbanization can promote economic growth, it also brings several potential ill effects, particularly if urban planning and resources cannot keep up with the pace. These include overcrowding and housing shortages,” he said.
The region currently has 420,299 housing needs, with about 49 percent of households living on public and private lands in risk zones.
Niog remains optimistic about the region’s housing sector, asserting that ongoing stakeholder collaboration offers hope that the housing problem can be resolved in due time. (APB/PIA-10)
