THE government is considering building high-rise housing units to address the current backlog in the country and catch up with the rising need for decent shelter, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday.
Speaking during the ceremonial turnover of house and lot units from the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Naic, Cavite, President Marcos noted there was a shortfall of some 3.5 million housing units when he was a senator.
When he assumed the presidency, the shortfall of housing units was at 6.5 million based on government estimates, Marcos said.
According to the President, the government may replicate the BLISS project in the past, which spearheaded the construction of mid-rise housing units, particularly in urban areas.
“Ngunit ngayon dahil mahirap na, siguro baka pataasin pa natin. Baka puwede na nating itaas hanggang high-rise na. Ngunit pinag-aaralan natin ito siguro case-to-case ito,” the President said.
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, the chief executive pointed out.
Also in his speech, the President directed the NHA to continue fulfilling its mandate and ensure that families receiving new homes are provided with means of livelihood.
“Patuloy ninyong pagtibayin ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kaakibat na ahensiya, mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga pribadong organisasyon. Hangarin natin na matiyak na may sapat na suporta ang lahat ng mga benepisyaryo ng mga bagong tirahang ito,” Marcos said.
And to ensure the safety of the recipients, the President asked the agency to build shelters that are strong enough to withstand the threat posed by natural calamities.
The new housing units will serve as home to some 30,000 Filipino families this Christmas as President Marcos led Monday’s ceremonial turnover of house and lot units from the NHA, which was simultaneously conducted all over the country.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the President asked them to take care of and value their new homes and help improve their new community.
President Marcos also asked for the cooperation of the LGU and the private sector to ensure the well-being of the beneficiaries in their new environment.
Present during the event were DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., NHA General Manager Joeben Tai, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Cavite 8th District Rep. Aniela Bianca Tolentino, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Revilla, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, Vice Governor Athena Bryana Tolentino, and Naic, Cavite Mayor Raffy Dualan.
