DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar joins House Speaker Martin Romualdez in inspecting a mass housing project in San Mateo, Rizal. Romualdez commits to allocate P10 billion next year to shoulder the interest for the housing units that would be availed by low-income earners. (photo: DHSUD)
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar is pushing for the institutionalization of government assistance to mass housing through legislative measures that would set aside fund to shoulder at least the interest for low-income earners who are interested to obtain housing units.
Acuzar issued the statement after House Speaker Martin Romualdez has committed to allocate at least P10 billion next year to finance the interest for all housing units that would be secured by informal settler families and low-income earners.
Romualdez was with Acuzar during an inspection of a mass housing project in San Mateo, Rizal where he expressed satisfaction, noting the high-quality standard of the buildings being constructed, one of which is already 67 percent completed with a model two-bedroom unit.
He also cited the development of covered court and swimming pool as part of the amenities within 4PH projects. The project is targeting to construct 4,000 condominium-type housing units.
“Congress support is essential in ensuring the sustainability of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH). Through funding allocation and through the institutionalization of the program, this will ensure the continuity of the 4PH even after the end of the administration (of President Marcos),” said Acuzar.
"By institutionalizing 4PH, more Filipinos, especially the poor, will benefit and will have the opportunity to secure affordable but decent housing,” he added.
There are pending bills, both in the House of Representatives and the Senate, which call for the institutionalization of 4PH through legislation to ensure continuity, especially in terms of funding interest subsidy for beneficiaries.