EXECUTIVE Order 34 is a pro-poor measure meant to play a vital role in addressing the shortage of housing units, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Friday said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued EO 34, allotting idle government lands for housing projects.
Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the order has a direct positive impact to homeless Filipinos, particularly the informal settlers, under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
“This is the first time in the housing history. I do not remember any administration that has done such initiative. This only shows that our Chief Executive has the heart for the poor,” he said.
“Because of this, we can easily achieve our goal,” he added.
EO 34 empowers the DHSUD to identify national and local government lands that are “suitable for housing and human settlements, including new townships and estates development, in coordination with concerned government agencies and local government units.”
The housing czar said the presidential order is a huge factor to significantly reduce the cost of housing units under the 4PH Program as a result of more utilizable lands – the most important component of the program.
“The allocation of idle government lands for housing will further bolster the ongoing nationwide implementation of Pambansang Pabahay,” he said.