Senate supports Pambansang Pabahay Program 

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is elated over the support expressed by the senators to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program during the Senate’s plenary deliberations on Thursday, wherein the proposed P3.9B FY 2023 budget of DHSUD was deemed approved.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros welcomed the new members of the Department, led by Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, as she defended its budget and reiterated the call for the P36 billion interest support for the said program.

Senator Hontiveros highlighted the need for the interest support “para tumaas ang kumpyansa ng partner agencies in the private sector” and that it will “in fact constitute the counterpart of the government in the bold and audacious program.”

She added that while the budget is being deliberated, proactive steps are being taken by DHSUD with various local government units, government financial institutions and private banks, ensuring that there will be proof of concept next year to easier defend the inclusion of the said funds for FY 2024.

Senate Minority Floor Leader Koko Pimentel, for his part, reiterated his full support to the housing sector’s plan to address the housing backlog and commended the housing czar for being courageous and innovative.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Resettlement, manifested his support instead of asking questions, saying “there is nothing more important and fulfilling than for us to see that the DHSUD be successful in the coming years.”

With the backlog at more than 6.5 million units, Senator Ejercito stressed the need to think out of the box.

“Every year, housing program receives one of the lowest sa budget natin and we’re hoping that next year’s budget under the new administration, can hopefully be increased. The success of DHSUD lies in financing side and collection. Our aim, dapat wala nang tawaging squatter sa sariling bayan,” he added.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva also expressed his support during the deliberation. “This representation commends the administration for appointing a secretary who is also considered as an expert in this particular (housing) issue, no other than Secretary Acuzar… we are supporting his vision… and we are looking forward to his confirmation with the Commission on Appointments,” he said.

Secretary Acuzar expressed his gratitude to the senators for their support to the national housing program.

“We are deeply grateful to our good senators for their support. The proviison of interest subsidy plays a very critical role in our housing program. I am also humbled for their trust and confidence in me and our bold plans to ensure that our President’s vision to ensure that every Filipino family will have a house of their own becomes a reality. As long as we all work together, this is truly possible.” said Secretary Acuzar.

The housing czar earlier bared his plans to address the housing backlog pegged at 6.5 million housing units by producing 1 million houses per year in the next six years through the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.