5 LGUs in W. Visayas adopt gov’t flagship housing program

ILOILO CITY – Five local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have already adopted the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, the government’s flagship housing program implemented by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

DHSUD Regional Director Eva Maria Marfil on Friday said they already broke the ground for the project in the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod and component cities of Roxas in Capiz and Victorias and Silay in Negros Occidental.

“There is no limit on the number of LGUs that will apply. Anyone is welcome as long as they want the program,” Marfil said.

She said the first two buildings of the 25 towers proposed in Bacolod City are almost complete.

They are now in the process of reviewing some of the loan applications.

The one in Roxas City is on standby as they have yet to perfect the lot donation where the project will stand.

The documents for the project in Victorias City are up for review, while the technical plan for Silay City has been approved and is just awaiting approval of the selling price.

Iloilo City has three project sites --two are in a city-owned lot and one is privately owned, which broke ground in April this year.

The projects in the city-owned property have to pass through the Public-Private Partnership Center for review and approval.

Marfil said the floor area for the project ranges from 22 square meters (sqm) to 27 sqm. So far in Western Visayas, the smallest area is at 24 sqm.

One advantage of the program is that the government, through the DHSUD, will extend a 5-percent subsidy out of the 6.5 percent interest rate of the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund.

“You have to be a first-time home buyer, which means has not utilized the loan entitlement with Pag-IBIG or has not received a relocation site from the local government or housing assistance from a nongovernment organization,” she added. (PNA)