The City Government of Bacolod has become the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to officially turn over housing units to beneficiaries of the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, according to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, on Saturday, January 25.
Benitez, who led the turnover ceremony at the Yuhum Housing Village in the Arao relocation site in Barangay Vista Alegre, expressed his vision of providing all Bacolodnons with a place to call home.
Of the 296 buyer-beneficiaries whose applications have been approved through the Home Mutual Development (Pag-IBIG) Fund, 64 recipients received their keys during the event, allowing them to move into their new units.
The event was attended by Congressman Greg Gasataya, members of the City Council, and Pagibig officials.
Pag-IBIG also presented a sample amortization plan for a 24-square-meter unit, with a monthly payment of just P2,194.84 under a graduated amortization scheme, offering a maximum repayment term of 30 years.
Benitez highlighted that Bacolod City was the first LGU to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in 2023 for the implementation of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s 4PH program.
The city subsequently entered into a joint venture agreement with WRS Holdings Inc. and Scheirman Construction Consolidated Inc. for the development of the 4PH housing units, with three buildings already completed. The 64 buyer-beneficiaries were part of the first building, and Benitez has urged the developer to fast-track the construction of 25 more buildings in the area, which will comprise at least 4,000 units.
“Initially, there were doubts about the implementation of this project due to certain glitches, but now, we’ve proven that the buyer-beneficiaries have received their keys,” Benitez stated. “We hope this will encourage other developers to speed up the construction of units under the 4PH program.”
The mayor also emphasized that each buyer-beneficiary will pay P2,194.84 per month, with the national government subsidizing at least P4,000 of the monthly payment. He expressed his commitment to institutionalizing this policy and plans to ask DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar for continued assistance.
For now, the program will prioritize Bacolodnons, especially first-time homebuyers—those who are renting or were affected by demolition in various parts of the city.
In addition to the Yuhum Housing Village, Benitez mentioned that the city is planning to build additional units under the 4PH program in Barangays Taculing, Mandalagan, Banago, and Estefania.
“We saw the joy in the faces of the beneficiaries, and they will never forget that they now have a home of their own,” Benitez said. “Our goal is to ensure that no Bacolodnon will be left without a home.”
The mayor also announced plans to build a terminal in the area to assist with transportation for the beneficiaries. He also noted that the city is coordinating with other developers to potentially connect a spine road toward Sta. Fe.
Emmanuel Villaera, president of the building 1 Homeowners Association, shared his gratitude. “I had been renting a house in Barangay Estefania for almost 30 years,” he said. “I am thankful for this program, and I am thrilled to finally own a home through Mayor Benitez's administration.” (MAP)