Apart from quality and quantity of shelters, President Marcos’ “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino” housing program (4PH) strongly bats for sustainability by embracing smart and green community concepts.
Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar is well aware that the housing sector faces not only the challenges of addressing the country’s 6.5 million housing gap but the hazards of climate change as well.
With this, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is planning to utilize solar and other renewable energy for housing projects under the flagship “Pambansang Pabahay.”
An example of new technology integration to 4PH projects is the proposal of First Dynabloc Construction and Development Corp. in collaboration with San Rafael, Bulacan for the local government unit’s (LGU) shelter project in Barangay Caingin.
The San Rafael Housing Project, composed of 3,920 residential units on a seven-hectare development site, is touted as the first fully sustainable integrated housing project in the Philippines, incorporating latest technologies for renewable energy into its design.
The proposed plans feature solar and wind energy sources, a water generating system, an integrated waste management system, and transport innovations.
A PowerNEST system shall be installed on rooftops of residential buildings, which will generate renewable energy for beneficiaries using both solar and wind power and is said to be more efficient without producing noise, vibrations, or any other disturbance.
In addition, the design shall also introduce a patented atmospheric water generation system known as “GEN-L” which can efficiently produce pure drinking water from the humidity in the surrounding air. It has a built-in multi-barrier air filtration system which removes micro particles and organic traces and adds essential minerals.
Moreover, GEN-L only requires electricity to function and is already being used in military bases, villages, hospitals, and off-grid settlements around the globe.
Air ventilation, garbage chutes on each residential floor and waste management facilities which are carbon emission conscious shall also be provided, along with areas for public transportation utilizing electronic shuttles.
No added cost to units
The innovations will have no effect on the availment cost of the housing units. The developer will own and maintain the technologies which are projected to reduce operating costs, making living more affordable and sustainable.
Secretary Acuzar said that such technology boosts DHSUD’s commitment of ensuring the development of sustainable communities, as mandated by Republic Act 11201.
“Pambansang Pabahay is not just about quantity and quality of housing, it also adopts new and green technologies to promote sustainability. More than just reaching our targets, we, at DHSUD, aim to improve the quality of living so we see to it that the communities we develop are sustainable. This is why we keep our doors open for collaboration and innovations,” Secretary Acuzar said.
The San Rafael Housing Project was among the six sites under 4PH simultaneously launched during the “mega groundbreaking” in Bulacan province last April 19 with no less than President Marcos presiding over the ceremonies in three sites namely, San Jose Del Monte City, Pulilan and San Rafael.
“As we pursue our mandate and address the housing need, integrating sustainability in our designs is paramount. Let us work together as we take on the huge responsibility to ensure that our actions today will have no negative impact on the environment so future generations could enjoy the same,” Secretary Acuzar said.
Since the 4PH program was launched last September, more than 130 memoranda of understanding have been signed with LGUs around the country. Of these, about 30 had already broken ground.