A public school teacher from Nueva Ecija has been granted a housing unit after more than 30 years in government service under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The 4PH Program is the government’s flagship housing initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable shelter for low- and middle-income workers, including public sector employees.

Alexander P. Driz, a teacher at Zaragoza National High School under the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija, is among the beneficiaries of the program.

Driz, 54, spent decades in teaching while renting a home, saying homeownership had long seemed beyond reach on a government salary.

He was recently awarded a unit at the Palayan City Township Project in Palayan City.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed the housing award, saying the initiative forms part of efforts to improve the welfare of public school teachers.

“Our teachers dedicate their lives to shaping the future of Filipino children. It is only right that government also helps secure their future, including something as fundamental as a decent home,” Angara said in a statement.

“Kapag mas may kapanatagan ang ating mga guro, mas masusuportahan nila nang mas mabuti ang ating mga mag-aaral (When our teachers have greater peace of mind, they can better support our learners),” he added.

The housing unit was provided under the 4PH Program of the Marcos administration, implemented through the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Pag-IBIG Fund.

Driz said the housing grant brought relief after years of uncertainty over whether he could afford a home.

“Nais ko po magpasalamat na may mga ganitong programa ang ating gobyerno at isa ako sa mga nabiyayaan upang magkaroon ng sariling tahanan (I would like to thank the government for programs like this, and I am one of those who were fortunate to be given the chance to own a home),” he said.

He added that the housing unit also provides greater stability as he approaches retirement.

“In a way, okay na rin dahil murang halaga na lang at siguro preparation na rin po retirement ko (In a way, it’s also fine because it came at an affordable cost, and it may also serve as preparation for my retirement),” he said.

“At buti nga, papasalamat ako sa edad ko na ito, na-approve pa rin na magkaroon kami ng sarili ng bahay (I’m also grateful that even at my age, our application was still approved so we could finally have our own home),” he added.