The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have partnered to jointly pursue President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program deeper into the grassroots level.
Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos signed a memorandum of understanding solidifying the collaboration of the two agencies in the housing sector.
One of the salient provisions under the MOU is the plan to build housing units for indigent barangay workers and informal settler families under the Pambansang Pabahay.
The partnership will pave the way for the conduct of preliminary activities for the execution of Pambansang Pabahay down to the barangay level.
The agreement targets indigent village watchmen, day-care teachers, response team workers, other qualified employees, whether permanent, contractual or casual, and ISFs as buyer-beneficiaries of the affordable housing units.
Acuzar said the DILG can take the lead in intensifying the implementation of program down to the communities — which is vital in the success of the flagship housing program.
The MOU has tasked the DHSUD to assist the barangays in the preparation of the necessary documents and in securing the required permits and licenses issued by national government agencies.
On the other hand, DILG shall assist the barangays to carry out the beneficiary listing which includes social preparation, ISF census enumeration, socio-economic profiling and establishment of social parameters.
“As we bring the 4PH program down to our barangays, may our target beneficiaries be more motivated to better serve their constituencies,” Secretary Acuzar cited.
Abalos vowed to provide assistance in capacitating LGU workers assigned to identify beneficiaries under this agreement, and allocate land resources for the program. Rio N. Araja