The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) conducted a housing fair on Oct. 21-22 in this city for the observance of National Shelter Month, themed “Matibay na Tahanan, Matatag na Komunidad para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” aiming to bridge the housing gap by developing affordable, resilient homes for Filipinos.
The housing fair aligns with the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which seeks to provide every Filipino family with their own home.
In partnership with key shelter agencies and other national government institutions, the program works closely with local government units, government financial institutions, private banks, and the private sector to achieve this goal.
DHSUD Ilocos Regional Director Richard Venancio Fernando Ziga remarked that the housing fair serves as a mini Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair for the housing sector, designed to bring their services and those of key shelter agencies directly to the public and local communities.
“Ito po ay a novel approach and napakagandang program ng Pangulo na mabigyan ng bahay ang mga kapatid nating mga wala pang bahay sa pamamagitan ng programang 4PH na naglalayon na sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang Filipino na walang bahay sa sariling bayan,” Ziga added.
(This innovative initiative by the President is a commendable effort to guarantee that every Filipino has a place to call home. The 4PH program embodies the vision of a New Philippines, where no Filipino is left without a home in their own country. This initiative is a crucial step toward addressing the housing needs of our brothers and sisters who continue to seek a sense of belonging.”
The event emphasized collaboration with the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) and partnerships with private sector entities, such as real estate brokers and developers, to improve access to housing services and solutions.
According to Engr. Alvin Bigay, the Pangasinan provincial housing officer, the provincial government must build 17,000 housing units each year to address the issue of approximately 178,000 families without adequate housing in the province.
Bigay highlighted the significance of the memorandum of understanding with the DHSUD, which enables every city and municipality to access valuable interest subsidies that lead to lower interest rates, thereby facilitating housing projects and enhancing living conditions across the province.
Instead of the standard 6% interest rate, the national government will subsidize 5%, resulting in a reduced interest rate of only 1% for borrowers.
This initiative is designed to make housing more affordable for low-income government and non-government employees.
During the event, Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez expressed the intention to build a four-story building with 96 housing units in Bonuan, emphasizing that this initiative would enable fellow Dagupeños to have their own residences and start their lives with their families and loved ones.
“Housing is one of the most important aspects of our society because it is where homes and families are established. I’ve always believed that everyone has the right to safe, decent, and affordable housing,” Fernandez added.
Government employees, teachers, police officers, and local constituents who do not yet have a home can register and apply to secure a decent housing unit.
Pag-IBIG Fund Chief of La Union Housing Business Division Ferdinand Jacildone stated that they are targeting a P1.2 billion housing loan program for this year, with an initial P970 million already availed.
He noted that 60 percent of the availment is in Pangasinan, as most of the developers and subdivisions are located in the province.
JP Casuga, a resident of Dagupan City who attended the housing fair, expressed his gratitude for the event, saying it gave him hope of finally owning his own home while also providing assurance that he wouldn’t be deceived in the purchasing process.
“It’s a lot of help for us, especially doon sa mga walang bahay and nagrerenta. Kailangan talaga nila ng help ng government para at least maassist ang katulad namin na gusto magkaroon ng sariling bahay. Maging mabusisi at kailangan dapat macheck ng mabuti dahil hindi basta-basta ang pagbili ng assets dahil investment ‘yon sa sarili mo,” Casuga said.
(This initiative is a big help, especially for those who are homeless or renting. It’s important for the government to assist people like us who want to own a home. We must be careful and thorough in this process because buying a house is a serious decision and an important investment in our future.)
During the housing fair, the DHSUD Region 1 signed a memorandum of agreement with real estate subdivision owners to regulate and monitor real estate projects, ensuring compliance with laws and imposing sanctions for violations.
To qualify for the 4PH program, applicants must be first-time homeowners, endorsed by the local government unit, the DHSUD, or a national government agency.
They must also meet specific income classification criteria and be active Pag-IBIG Fund members with a minimum of 24 months of remittance.
These requirements ensure that the program targets individuals who genuinely need housing assistance. By: Odie Mamaril III
