DAVAO CITY — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao (OPAMINE) have set their sights on the ambitious goal of constructing 380,000 housing units within the Davao Region. This initiative is a pivotal component of the nationwide housing program under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, Leo Tereso Magno, underscored the importance of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), emphasizing its potential to significantly improve the lives of Filipinos, particularly those without adequate shelter. Secretary Magno assumed the role of seeking partnership with Local Government Units (LGUs) to participate in the 4PH program.
In recent months, OPAMINE has been actively engaging with various interested LGUs in an effort to expand program participation.
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, Magno participated in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding and Memoranda of Agreement between the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and five Local Government Units within the Davao Region. DHSUD inked MOUs with the cities of Mati, Digos, Davao, and Samal, as well as the Municipality of Nabunturan.
“In the Davao Region alone, we are aiming to provide 380,000 housing units to those in need. We anticipate that this number will increase as people witness the commencement of the actual housing construction,” Magno commented. “Typically, individuals tend to apply for a government project once they can see the physical housing units taking shape,” he added.
Magno emphasized that the construction of these housing units will not only benefit Informal Settlers Families (ISF) but also stimulate the overall economy of the city or municipality. “Upon completion of the housing project, we can expect a marked improvement in the local economy. Increased investments will flow in, and enhanced mass transportation infrastructure will be established, creating more job opportunities for the community,” he stated.
Magno expressed his hope that more LGUs will heed the call to participate, highlighting the indispensable role of LGUs in the project’s success. He extended gratitude to President Marcos Jr. and DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar for their unwavering dedication and support for 4PH, which endeavors to provide 6.5 million housing units to Filipinos by the conclusion of this administration’s term.
