Housing czar Jose Rizalino Acuzar has opened the door of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in Quezon City for a recent dialogue with militant leaders and other cause-oriented groups as part of an inclusive effort of tPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.
Renato Reyes Jr. of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna (Nation First), Etrelita Bagasbas of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), Mary Joy Guevarra of Gabriela, Jaime Valdez of Anak Pawis, Maria Fe Hullipaz of Samahang Maralita sa Temporary Housing-Tondo Chapter, and Andrea Trinidad of Urban Poor Coordinating Council-National Capital Region took part in the dialogue on December 22.
The DHSUD secretary presented the administration’s plan to address the 6.5 million housing need under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program designed to construct one million housing units per year or six million housing units in 6 years.
The groups’ leaders shared their first-hand experiences of relocation through government housing projects and provided insights for consideration in program implementation.They expressed appreciation of the program’s strategies and agency’s open-door policy, citing the program’s sustainability.
Acuzar granted the request of the Kadamay-Southern Tagalog for separate meeting to further discuss its interest to participate in the flagship housing program.
“This dialogue is a testament of our administration’s flagship housing program’s inclusivity. We, at DHSUD, recognize and value each sector of the economy. When we conceptualized the program, we had everyone in mind. You have my word. Every Filipino family can avail of this program,” he told the groups.
With the growing interest in the housing program, he maintained his openness to dialogue with all who wish to participate.
“DHSUD remains open to everyone who wants to join the Pambansang Pabahay Program. Let us all work together to ensure that this housing program succeeds,” he promised.