On Monday, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño formalized their collaboration under the current administration’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
The officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a housing project aimed at benefiting SBMA employees and Subic Bay Freeport workers for both residential and commercial purposes. Designed as a township, the project will provide access to essential amenities and services near the beneficiaries’ workplaces.
“Ngayon pa lamang po, nakikita na natin ang potensyal ng proyektong ito para makatulong na solusyunan ang problemang pabahay sa ating bansa, lalo na para sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap, minimum-wage earners gayundin para sa ating labor force at locators dito sa SBMA,” Secretary Acuzar said.
The housing chief promised full support for SBMA’s housing initiatives for its workers and locators, citing the former US naval base’s strategic location and infrastructure as crucial for developing inclusive housing communities under 4PH.
Chairman Aliño expressed his deep gratitude to the Department for its support to SBMA, emphasizing that the housing projects under the partnership will significantly benefit SBMA workers.
The MOU outlines the responsibilities of both parties in developing the project. DHSUD will conduct orientation sessions with SBMA, its beneficiaries, and stakeholders on 4PH eligibility qualifications. It will also compile a list of potential beneficiaries from SBMA for social preparation, socioeconomic profiling, and establishing other social parameters.
SBMA will identify land suitable for housing in township development and ensure compliance with technical, financial, and documentary requirements, permits, and licenses needed for the project’s full implementation.
DHSUD will assist SBMA in securing necessary documents and coordinating with Pag-IBIG Fund to facilitate housing loan take-out. The Department will cover the corresponding interest subsidy for the project.
“SBMA’s mission to empower our people and communities through stewardship and good governance aligns with our goal of providing decent and affordable shelters in sustainable communities to Filipino families. Dahil po diyan, binubuksan po namin ang pinto ng DHSUD para sa isang proyekto na pagtutulungan nating buuin,” Secretary Acuzar assured.
The SBMA is the Philippine government’s operating arm for developing Subic Bay Freeport into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center that generates employment opportunities. This area was the former US Naval facility in Subic Bay.
In support of the “Pambansang Pabahay,” SBMA committed to identifying and allocating parcels of its land for the housing project development.
