The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the turnover of 1,380 housing units in the St. Gregory Homes Housing Project in Malabon City to informal settler families (ISFs) as a "milestone" in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s housing initiative to address the six-million housing backlog in the country.
The housing initiative is called the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) project under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino: Zero ISF 2028 program.
The goal is to provide affordable and safe housing to qualified beneficiaries from ISFs, minimum wage earners, families relocated from high-risk and disaster-prone areas, and other members of poor communities.
"CHR lauds that the execution of the 4PH project in Malabon City has taken into consideration the residents’ access to basic necessities, livelihood and employment, government services, and recreational and communal facilities - all of which meet the standards of adequate housing similarly emphasized by CHR’s Advisory on the Right to Adequate Housing and Human Treatment of Informal Settlers," the CHR said in a statement.
In its advisory, the CHR stressed that housing is a basic human right and explained that "adequate" housing should also promote employment, welfare, community, and culture consistent with the spirit and provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.
It noted that the 4PH fits in that description and proves that adequate housing goes beyond building four walls and a roof.
"Using a rights-based approach and engaging local government units in partnerships raises the bar for future social housing projects and relocation efforts," the CHR stressed.
It assured that it will monitor the program's progress and is looking forward to seeing improvements in the inclusion and participation of housing beneficiaries in decision-making and developments within their new homes and community.
"In a time of economic inflation and climate change, the importance of secure and affordable housing for all cannot be overstated. The Commission welcomes and encourages all efforts to empower poor Filipino families in pursuit of the enjoyment of human rights and dignity in these challenging times," it said.