PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the government is looking at the possibility of building high-rise housing units to address the need for a decent shelter for Filipino families.
Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of house and lot units of the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Naic, Cavite on Monday, December 5, 2022.
The NHA said the new housing units will serve as a new home to around 30,000 Filipinos especially ahead of the holiday season.
Marcos vowed that the government will continue to build more shelters to improve communities and the lives of the Filipino families, noting the 6.5 million shortfall of housing across the country.
The government is finding a way to organize different entities such as the local government units (LGUs), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), NHA, legislature, and the National Government to find a solution to the country’s increasing need for more shelters.
"Ito ay isang kongkretong hakbang tungo sa pagkamit ng ating pangarap na mabigyan ng maayos na matitirahan ang ating mga kababayan. Ito ay malinaw na nagpapakita ng inyong dedikasyon sa inyong sinumpaang tungkulin," Marcos said in his speech.
(This is a concrete step toward achieving our dream of giving our countrymen a proper place to live. This clearly shows your dedication to your sworn duty.)
"Nanatili ang ating layunin na makakapagpatayo ng dekalidad at murang pabahay para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino, lalo na para sa mga mahihirap na ating mga kababayan," he added.
(Our goal remains, which is to be able to build quality and cheap housing for every Filipino family, especially for the poor of our compatriots.)
He also directed the NHA to continue fulfilling its mandate and ensure that families receiving new homes are provided with means of livelihood.
Marcos also noted that these housing units are strong enough to withstand the threat posed by natural calamities.
The President said they are considering the replication of the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services (Bliss) project of his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, which spearheaded the construction of mid-rise housing units, particularly in urban areas.
But instead of mid-rise housing units, they are studying the feasibility of construction of high-rise housing units similar to condominiums.
He also sought for the cooperation of the local government units and the private sector to ensure the well-being of the beneficiaries in their new environment.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the President asked them to take care of and value their new homes and help improve their new community. (SunStar Philippines)