BCDA, DHSUD to build 500,000 houses in New Clark City

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority is working with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to build 500,000 housing units within the New Clark City in Tarlac, as part of the township development inside the country’s first green city.

The two agencies formalized their partnership with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH Program).

“This could be the answer to decongestion of surrounding highly-urbanized areas, and also tapping the full economic potential of New Clark City by putting up residential structures, hence, the populace,” said DHSUD secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, citing the huge potential of New Clark City in terms of township developments under 4PH that could unlock a wide range of economic opportunities.

“There are already government facilities here, we only need to bring in population to spur economic activities. And by putting up decent yet affordable and sustainable housing units, surely, we will attract home buyers,” he added. 

Azucar said the construction of 500,000 housing units inside New Clark City. The DHSUD and BCDA are both committed to explore the plan within the following weeks.

New Clark City is envisioned to be the country's first smart, green and resilient metropolis, masterfully laid out and highly connected with mixed-use developments and an integrated transport system. The 9,450-hectare greenfield development is being positioned as a world-class city that focuses on liveability and sustainability, and is expected to catalyze economic growth in Central Luzon.

BCDA chairman Delfin Lorenzana said the green city is being developed with the needs of the people at the forefront of the masterplan.

"We believe that New Clark City is one of the ideal sites for the Marcos administration's housing program, having the potential to play a key role in addressing the housing shortage in the country," he said.

The proposed housing sites will benefit residents and workers in Clark, regardless of age, background, and income. It will also provide housing facilities to families affected by government projects in New Clark City, as well as government employees and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"Once fully developed, we expect New Clark City to be home to roughly 1.2 million Filipinos. With the DHSUD as our partner, the BCDA is confident that we will be able to provide future residents with integrated, people-centered, and sustainable mixed-use developments where they can live comfortably,” said BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang.

Azucar said the MOU with BCDA is the “joint answer to the call of President Marcos Jr. to assist Filipino families who continue to dream of having a house of their own.”

“With this MOU, the DHSUD and BCDA pool together our resources and expertise in promoting the flagship 4PH Program and help our kababayans,” he said, grateful to BCDA for its support to the “Pambansang Pabahay”.