LUNA, Apayao – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA), Pag-Ibig Fund, and The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) conducted an orientation program on the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Filipino Program (4PH) in Aliwa Gym, San Isidro Sur, Luna last June 14, 2023.
The 4PH stands as one of the crucial priority programs under the Marcos Administration with a goal to construct six (6) million housing units and generate around 1.7 million jobs annually from 2023 to 2028. This plan aims to address the housing needs of the Filipino people and bolster the country’s economic growth.
Established in 2019, DHSUD was formed through a merger of the Housing and Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). DHSUD is now the primary agency responsible for the management of housing-related development in the country, including the flagship program, 4PH.
The orientation program held in Apayao sought to educate local stakeholders about the key aspects and benefits of the 4PH program. Participants included representatives from the government agencies involved, local government units, developers, and interested individuals. The event aimed to foster understanding, collaboration, and active participation among all parties in the successful implementation of the program in the province.
During the orientation, DHSUD Regional Director Engr. Maria O. Amoroso shared comprehensive details on the program’s objectives, mechanisms, eligibility criteria, and the support available to both developers and prospective homeowners. She emphasized the importance of affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity in the construction and allocation of housing units under the 4PH program.
“Social issues like the Philippine housing crisis can only be solved at the national level. LGUs are expected to locate suitable lands for the project, choose qualified beneficiaries, and ensure that the space remains sustainable and livable in the future,” she said.
Furthermore, the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or the PAG-IBIG Fund headed by Carmelita M. Pagulayan explained the financing schemes and modalities for the 4PH program. The Pag- Ibig fund provides financial and technical assistance that DHSUD and the government may need for the project. Pag-Ibig shall extend individual housing loans to target beneficiaries pre-qualified and selected by the LGUs.
Additionally, the implementation of 4PH through the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) was discussed by Jones A. Tomas, Vice President of SHFC. He likewise discussed the requirements and qualifications of the contractors and developers.
For his part, Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. in his message said that the 4PH is a significant step towards realizing the goals of the PGA in addressing the housing needs of the yApayaos. “This has created a ripple effect among people wanting to have a house of their own – illuminating the hope for informal settlers and low-income earners to access and afford housing units for themselves and their families,” Gov. Bulut said.
Also present during the orientation were key stakeholders from the province such as the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), municipal social welfare and development offices (MSWDOs), municipal planning development coordinators (MPDCs), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), municipal engineering offices (MEOs), civil society organizations and the local chief executives of the different municipalities of Apayao. By Maureen L. Legazpi & Krizza Joy A. Castillo
