Senate bill filed institutionalizing 4PH housing

MANILA, Philippines — Pushing his advocacy to remedy the country’s housing deficiency, Sen. Bong Go has filed a bill institutionalizing the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, which aims to build six million housing units by the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028.

Go intends to ensure that the 4PH program, led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), provides affordable and decent housing for Filipinos, particularly those in need, given the lack of affordable and adequate housing options.

“According to the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the National Economic and Development Authority, in 2017 more than 1.5 million families were regarded as informal settlers,” cited Go in his Senate Bill No. 2108. Previously, Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar issued Department Circular 2023-004, granting authority to the DHSUD’s partner local government units (LGUs) to execute and implement measures to bridge their respective housing gaps under the 4PH.

“With our help, local leaders must deliver their commitments as we aim for the sustainability of this massive housing project. If DHSUD, LGUs, government financial institutions and private partners will work together, we can progressively address or even put an end to the country’s housing backlog,” Acuzar had said in issuing the circular.

Go’s bill is a comprehensive housing plan that bridges the gap between the demand and supply of housing units, ensuring that every Filipino can afford a safe and comfortable place to live.

It provides a mechanism to subsidize amortization and interest for the beneficiaries, given that they are capable of and committed to paying the subsidized housing loan.

Under the proposed law, the LGUs, in coordination with the DHSUD, will be responsible for project site identification and the development of their respective residential projects, said the senator.

Meanwhile, the state’s Home Development Mutual Fund (or Pag-IBIG Fund), as well as other government financial institutions and private banks, shall make their funds available for the LGUs’ housing projects through their respective developmental loan programs.

Go stressed that if implemented successfully, the 4PH would yield numerous benefits for Filipinos as it would provide secure and stable housing for millions of families, offering them a sense of stability and improved living conditions.

“Let us endeavor to support Filipinos who are in the greatest need. Let us provide them with decent homes and support the poor in their aspirations to no longer be squatters in their own country,” the senator said in Filipino.

Urban poor support

The urban poor sector has expressed its support for the Marcos administration’s 4PH Program and its aim of building a million housing units annually until 2028.

In a meeting with leaders and members of the Urban Poor Action Committee (UPAC) last April 28, Acuzar said they tackled shelter concerns and moved to align the group’s recommendations to the 4PH Program.

UPAC’s Madeline Suarez expressed awe at the administration’s flagship program and hoped that their group’s “People’s Plan” would be considered in its implementation.