By JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL, Managing Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In response to the “Pambansang Pabahay” program of the national government, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) along with three other mayors in Mindanao.
The MOU was signed by the four mayors and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) represented by Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar.
The mayors who signed the MOU include Mayor Erick Cañosa of Gingoog City, Municipal Mayors Jayfrancis Bago of Opol, Misamis Oriental, and Dionisio Cabahug of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, represented by Vice Mayor Clifford Jumalon, and Mayor Uy of this city.
According to the MOU signed by the four mayors in Mindanao, the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program which targets to implement around 48,000 houses for the homeless Filipino families in Northern Mindanao.
More than 100 hectares of land are set to be developed in various barangays in the four LGUs for the construction of multiple medium to high-rise buildings under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.
In his message, Secretary Acuzar highlighted the important role LGUs play in the flagship housing program as he enjoined their commitment to ensure its success.
“The huge housing backlog is not just a figure we need to close. Each number represents a family needing a roof over their heads. As we pursue our mandate and push for the administration’s 4PH Program, we recognize the important role of local government units,” the secretary said.
“Your (LGUs) commitment is crucial for its success as you are involved in all its phases – from identifying the location, planning the design and determining target beneficiaries,” he said.
So far, the Department already signed MOUs with more than 130 LGUs across the country under the 4PH program which aims to address the country’s 6.5 million housing backlog by building one million housing units per year throughout the current administration’s term.
The Four Mayors with RD Ariel Abragan
About President Marcos Pambansang Pabahay
The Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) has issued a department circular granting authority to agency’s partner local government units (LGUs) to execute and implement measures to bridge their respective housing gaps under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program.
DHSUD Department Circular 2023-004, in effect, empowers LGUs in addressing housing problems within the jurisdiction of their separate localities.
The circular provides that each partner LGU will act as the lead proponent in the implementation of the housing projects under the 4PH program. It also stated that LGUs must formulate local policies and programs to support and facilitate project financing, construction and property management.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said this provision will expedite the agency’s plan to provide housing units and develop livable communities for informal settler families, low-income earners and underprivileged Filipinos.
“In our discussions with LGUs, we have developed this housing program with flexibility particularly on financing aspect, following the applicable laws, government rules and guidelines,” Acuzar said in a statement on Tuesday. – with a report from PNA
