President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, called on Congress to support the government’s housing initiatives, as well as for housing interest support, by including them in the national budget in the coming years.
During the 72nd anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Project - Batasan Development Urban Renewal Plan, the Chief Executive lamented that despite the government’s housing projects, many target beneficiaries cannot afford the monthly amortization of the units.
“So, the government is committed to secure the needed housing interest support for 2023. I now call, tiniyak natin nandito si Speaker dahil (we made sure the Speaker is here because) I now call on Congress for your support, including housing interest support as part of the regular appropriations for the succeeding years,” he said, referring to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Speaker, a cousin of the President, attended the event together with presidential son Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Navotas Lone District Rep. Toby Tiangco, Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Tulfo, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The President assured that the housing projects won’t only be spearheaded by the government in the National Capital Region (NCR), but a similar project would also be in Isabela province.
“What we are witnessing today is only the beginning of one of the largest projects under the government’s flagship housing program. Slowly but surely we will be able to achieve our greatest aspirations for the nation including the dream for a decent and affordable housing for every Filipino family,” he said.
However, Marcos recognized that “sustainable human settlements” was not just about building sturdy houses, but also about “ensuring that the residents of those house(s) have access to amenities such as schools, markets, hospitals as well as economic opportunities, government services, and social activities.”
These considerations would be a part of the government’s housing program, which would see the construction of two high-rise buildings with 2,160 units for the Batasan Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (BaTODA) members and their families, as well as for informal families in Quezon City.
The Chief Executive shared that the ground floor of the building would be a tricycle terminal, so those living there could still easily access markets, schools, hospitals, and others.
“Let me also take this opportunity to underscore that the housing plight like any other social issue can only be addressed through a whole of society, whole of nation approach,” Marcos said.
“I welcome them and encourage the DHSUD (Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development) to continue their efforts in forging and strengthening partnerships with other government agencies and the private sector to secure requirements for housing production and funding,” he added, highlighting the roles of officials, personnel, developers, construction groups, and private banks in complying with the documentary and legal requirements needed to fund and construct the housing units.
Marcos reminded the DHSUD, local government units, and all other stakeholders “to demonstrate transparency and honesty in all our transactions, keeping in mind the need to ensure the timely completion of the housing projects.”
“Let us also be reminded that more than the building of ground and massive structures, our goal is to secure the welfare and the best interest of the Filipino people. Let our countrymen and the future generations therefore be at the center of every governement action,” the President stated.
The partnership among those in government, the private sector, and the people themselves, Marcos furthered, would lead to the provision of “decent, affordable and sustainable housing” for Filipinos.
During the event, Marcos led the simultaneous groundbreaking of two housing projects in Quezon City and Cauayan City, Isabela under the flagship 4PH Program and walkthrough of the Batasan Development Urban Renewal Plan in a ceremony at the BaTODA Terminal in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City.
Members of BaTODA and their families shall be among the priority beneficiaries.
The Batasan Development Urban Renewal Master Plan will see the completion of three main sites: the Batasan Road Development, the NGC-West Controlled Economic Zone and the Manotoc Property.
Marcos’ mention of two 33-storey buildings with a total of 2,160 housing units planned would be the first phase of Batasan area’s redevelopment.
The buildings would be both residential and commercial.