Top officials of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) met with urban poor and other cause-oriented groups and discussed the government's housing plans for the informal settler families (ISFs) and those under the low-income bracket.
DHSUD Sec, Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the dialogue with the cause-oriented groups led by urban poor Kadamay (Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and Anak Pawis was aimed at getting their insights in further improving the housing projects based on their respective experience on housing as some of their members were beneficiaries.
"They shared their first-hand experiences of relocating to government housing projects and provided insights for consideration in program implementation," said Acuzar.
“This dialogue is a testament of our administration’s flagship housing program's inclusivity. We, at DHSUD, recognize and value each sector of the economy. When we conceptualized the program, we had everyone in mind. You have my word—every Filipino family can avail of this program,” he added.
Kadamay was represented by Etrelita Bagasbas during the meeting at DHSUD Central Office in Quezon City while Renato Reyes appeared for Bayan and Mary Joy Guevarra of Gabriela and Jaime Valdez of Anak Pawis.
It was recalled that Kadamay led the takeover of housing units in Bulacan in the past administration as they protest the issues that have been hounding the government's housing projects over the years.
Also present were Satur Ocampo for Bayan Muna, Maria Fe Hullipaz of Samahang Maralita sa Temporary Housing-Tondo Chapter, and Andrea Trinidad of Urban Poor Coordinating Council-National Capital Region.
Acuzar explained that engaging the cause-oriented groups is a manifestation that the DHSUD under the present administrations listens to the concerns of other stakeholders, particularly the beneficiaries who are in the better position to point out housing problems.
The government, through the DHSUD, is pushing to build one million housing units every year to address the over 6.5 million housing backlogs in the next six years.
Severa, government and private financial institutions have already committed support to the project, including the Pag-IBIG Fund which promised to allocate P250 billion for the housing program.