Quirino governor and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president Dax Cua hailed the national government for empowering local government units to address the housing problems within their jurisdiction.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) recently issued Department Circular 2023-004, which grants LGUs the authority to execute and implement measures to bridge their respective housing gaps under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program.
Cua has repeatedly urged for LGUs to be made more active partners in development, as he insisted that programs cannot be implemented nationwide on a uniform basis.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa national government, lalo na kay Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., at kay DHSUD Sec. Jose Rizalino Acuzar for trusting in the LGUs capability to take the lead in implementing 4PH to bridge our nation’s housing gap. We are raring to prove what we can do in this regard,” said Cua.
The 4PH is the Marcos administration’s flagship housing program and aims to build 6 million units by 2028.
The circular also tasks LGUs with formulating local policies and programs to support and facilitate project financing, construction, and property management.
It also laid out the tasks and responsibilities of LGUs, which include identifying sites suitable for housing and mixed-use development, processing developmental loans for housing projects, identifying beneficiaries and developing project concepts.
Meanwhile, the DHSUD shall provide technical assistance and capacitate LGUs in areas such as providing access to funds and estate management.
The 4PH is the Marcos administration’s flagship housing program and aims to build 6 million units by 2028.
Cua has repeatedly urged for LGUs to be made more active partners in development, as he insisted that programs cannot be implemented nationwide on a uniform basis.
“By making us LGUs lead implementers, we can ensure that the housing program will be context-specific and responsive to the different situations and needs confronted by each community,” said the governor.
“Naniniwala ako na sa pamamagitan ng circular na ito, at sa patuloy na pagtutulungan ng pamahalaan at ng pribado at iba pang sektor ay matutupad na ang matagal nang pangarap ng pamilyang Pilipino na magkaroon ng sarili at ligtas na pamamahay,” Cua added.
