'Pambansang Pabahay' receives more support from private sector
By Jel Santos
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has highlighted increasing private sector confidence in the government's Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
In a statement, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar pointed to Megawide Construction Corporation's involvement in a 4PH project in Imus City, Cavite as evidence of this growing support.
“Nakakataba ng puso ang tiwalang nakukuha ng 4PH sa ating pribadong sektor (It's heartwarming to see the trust that 4PH is receiving from the private sector) This clearly shows that we are on the right track in addressing the country’s housing need,” he stated.
On May 28, Acuzar, alongside Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula and Megawide CEO Edgar Saavedra, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in Barangay Malagasang 1-G.
The agency said the development, comprising mid-rise condominium buildings, will be managed by PH1 World Developers (PH1WD), Megawide's real estate arm.
It added that the project will feature a five-tower, 1,100-unit mid-rise residential community on a 1.7-hectare site near the New Imus City Hall.
The DHSUD chief emphasized that the involvement of respected private contractors, such as Megawide, is essential for the success of 4PH, given that the program relies on leveraging private funds for government housing development.
“It will significantly contribute to the current administration’s objective of addressing the country’s housing need by providing Filipino families with safe, decent and affordable housing in sustainable communities,” he said.
Citing the contract, the DHSUD noted that the PH1WD will be the project owner and oversee the entire development process while engineering and infrastructure company Megawide will undertake the construction, as soon as the necessary permits and clearances are secured.
Acuzar said the 4PH program has already been launched in other regions, emphasizing that collaboration among local governments, the national government, and private developers is crucial to addressing the country's housing shortage.