President Marcos is very focused and hands-on in monitoring the progress of the administration’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar there are around 20 projects in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that are now in various stages of ground activities and construction.
As a testament to his support to the DHSUD, President Marcos recently inspected the ongoing construction of the Crystal Peak Estates in Barangay Del Carmen, City of San Fernando, Pampanga which is enrolled under the flagship program.
The project is a 9.8-hectare multi-storey development that is expected to benefit more than 10,200 families in the public and private sector, including overseas Filipino workers and personnel of the local government, Department of Education, Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Nakita na po natin yung solusyon para sa kakulangan sa pabahay, at ang atin pong Pangulo ay nakatutok po rito… Almost every week naghahanap po ang PMS (Presidential Management Staff) kung ano na po ang nagagawa namin sa aming department lalo na sa pabahay,” Secretary Acuzar said, pertaining to the regular reporting on the progress of 4PH to Malacañang to ensure its smooth implementation.
“Naniniwala po ang ating Presidente sa ating programa dahil ito pong pabahay na ito ay diretso sa mahihirap ang tama. Sila po ang makikinabang dito – isang bagay na lagi pong hinahangad ng ating Pangulo,” the DHSUD chief added.
During his visit to the Pampanga project, Marcos thanked the DHSUD team led by Sec. Acuzar.
“Gusto ko po muling pasalamatan ang ating mga masisipag na kawani sa DHSUD o Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development sa pamumuno ni Secretary Jerry Acuzar,” the President said in his speech.
“Marami na po tayong groundbreaking ceremonies na nasimulan. Ang site inspection na ito ay parte lamang ng proseso upang matiyak natin na maitayo ang mga Pambansang Pabahay Para sa mga Pilipino,” he added.
The President has graced various “Pambansang Pabahay” events since its launching in September last year, including groundbreaking activities in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Cebu and Quezon City. He also initiated the first site inspection under 4PH which took place in Marikina City.
He has also vowed to work for the issuance of an executive order that will mandate the use of government idle lands for housing, and urged the Congress to prioritize the allocation of funds for “Pambansang Pabahay,” resulting in a significant increase in DHSUD’s budget under the 2024 National Expenditure Program.
“PBBM’s commitment, as we have seen in his presence, continues to inspire us at DHSUD to give it our best. I cannot overemphasize the value of this in boosting our morale to better serve the Filipino people,” Sec. Acuzar said.
The 4PH Program aims to address the country’s 6.5 housing needs by building one million units annually until 2028. DHSUD, as the primary government agency in the management of housing, human settlements and urban development, is tasked to lead the program.
As of June 30, DHSUD has signed memoranda of understanding with 155 local government units around the country, and has broken ground for 28 housing projects.