DHSUD signs 49 deals for ‘Pambansang Pabahay’ program

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar is reminding the public to inquire details of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program only from proper government channels.

The public reminder is a proactive measure by DHSUD to ensure that those interested to avail of the program are well-informed by proper authorities and not misled by unauthorized groups or individuals.

“Let me stress that no private individuals or groups are authorized to act on behalf of DHSUD with regards to ‘Pambansang Pabahay’,” said Secretary Acuzar.

“We are ready to take appropriate action to any report of such unscrupulous act,” he added.

The housing czar said that apart from the DHSUD, the public may inquire details about the program only from local government units (LGUs) and the department’s key shelter agencies, namely, the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, the Social Housing Finance Corporation, the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation and the National Housing Authority.

“Tayo po’y magsama-sama at magtulung-tulong sa hangaring matupad ang pangarap ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na magkaroon ng sariling tahanan na disente, ligtas at abot-kaya,” Secretary Acuzar urged.

So far, the DHSUD has signed 49 Memoranda of Understanding with various LGUs from all over the country since the launch of “Pambansang Pabahay” in September. Of these, 12 had already broken ground.

Secretary Acuzar has expressed optimism that the program will go full blast this year as he expects commencement of actual construction within the first semester of 2023.

Under the program, the DHSUD is tasked to build one million houses annually in the next six years to address the country’s housing backlog pegged at more than 6.5 million units.