The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on March 27 marked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 1000th day in office by inspecting the Bocaue Bulacan Manor (BBM) housing project under the flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, along with other officials including Pag-IBIG Fund chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta, personally checked the BBM township project in Barangay Batia.

Overall, Acuzar expressed satisfaction with the construction’s progress but asked the contractor to expedite the development of amenities.

“Ang utos ng mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. ay dapat ma-enjoy ng karaniwang Pilipino ang mga amenity na dati ay para sa mayayaman lamang. Sa ilalim ng 4PH, mararanasan ng ating mga beneficiaries ang modern condominium living, kumpleto sa pasilidad (The order of our beloved President Bongbong Marcos Jr. is that the average Filipino should enjoy amenities that were previously reserved for the wealthy. Under 4PH, our beneficiaries will experience modern condominium living, complete with facilities),” Acuzar said.

In a news release on Friday, the DHSUD said six out of 11 buildings programmed in the BBM project are already in advance stages of construction. Upon completion, the project will benefit more than 4,000 families.

Additionally, the development and construction of amenities and common facilities have already started. These include an open park, playground, swimming pool, clubhouse, basketball court and other essential facilities.

Milestone in PBBM’s 1st 1,000 days

Under the leadership of Acuzar, DHSUD has recorded milestones in the implementation of two flagship programs within Marcos’ first 1,000 days in office, the 4PH Program and the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM).

Inspired by the vision of President Marcos toward a progressive Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), the DHSUD worked relentlessly in pursuit of the administration’s legacy programs in the housing and urban development sector.

“After almost three years of tireless service under President Marcos Jr.’s leadership, we can now see our vision taking shape. Seeing thousands of vertical housing units being built across the country is a testament that we have come a long way,” Acuzar said.

He reported that there are several vertical housing projects with significant developments in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Albay, Camarines Sur, Bataan, Rizal, Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga City and Palawan, and Caloocan City in Metro Manila.

During the first 1,000 days of the President, DHSUD and its key shelter agencies have developed and constructed numerous modern condominium-type housing projects for underprivileged Filipinos throughout the country.

KSAs under DHSUD include the Home Development Mutual Fund, National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corporation, and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation.

The program also promoted township development, which ensures beneficiaries that housing sites will have easy access to basic services such as water, electricity, school, market and transportation.

Initial turnover of units started last year for beneficiaries of the Palayan City Township Project in Nueva Ecija. More are scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks.

On urban renewal, DHSUD led the implementation of the PBBM Project, which resulted in an entirely new vibe at the Pasig River.

Visitors are now enjoying the picturesque site in the Pasig River showcase area, where a heritage corridor has been established with the completion early this year of Phase 3, connecting Manila Central Post Office to Plaza Mexico, Maestranza esplanade, Intramuros and iconic Fort Santiago riverfront.

“We see an influx of visitors now along Pasig River especially during sunset and night time. It has now become a new tourist spot. Not only that, this project serves as a proof of concept on how we should maximize the potential of our urban waterways,” Acuzar said.

With more of these pro-poor and people-centered projects underway, Acuzar vowed DHSUD’s commitment to take an active role toward a more resilient and progressive Bagong Pilipinas.

“We are inspired by the President’s Bagong Pilipinas vision which is why beyond building houses, we are creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities where Filipinos from all walks of life can thrive. This is our contribution to turning that vision into reality,” he said. (PNA)