By Brian Jules Campued
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) aims to redevelop informal settlements and the urban environment in the National Capital Region (NCR) through its Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program efforts in Pasay City.
According to DHSUD Sec. Jose Rizalino Acuzar, one of the mandates of the agency, as stated under the Republic Act 11201, is urban development to transform “blighted areas into sustainable township developments”.
As part of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address the housing backlogs in the country, Acuzar said the aptly called “Tatak PBBM” or “Pamayanang Bago, Bagong Mamamayan” housing project in Pasay City will focus on the welfare of informal settler families.
“Hindi lamang po ito pabahay, kundi magiging showcase area ito kung papano natin ita-transform ang mga lugar sa gilid ng mga estero sa mas kaaya-aya at maunlad na komunidad,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
Last July 5, the DHSUD, the local government of Pasay City, and the Manila International Airport Authority inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the housing project.
The MOA covers the establishment of a staging area for informal settler families (ISFs) who will need to be relocated during the construction of the project until the permanent housing units are turned over to qualified beneficiaries.
“Ang proyekto sa ilalim ng MOA na ito ang magsisilbing showcase area ng ating pagsusulong hindi lamang ng 4PH Program, kundi pati na rin ang ating hangarin tungo sa urban renewal o redevelopment,” Acuzar stated.
The temporary shelters for ISFs are currently in the development and construction phase, according to the housing czar.
Meanwhile, the in-city staging area is strategically located near the airport, and about two kilometers from the informal settlement, and has been transformed into a township development. It will be equipped with amenities such as an open park, playground, and basketball court.
“Ito po ang bilin ng ating mahal na Pangulo… walang madi-displace at unahin ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan,” Acuzar said.
“Ang pilot staging area na ito ay magsisilbing modelo para sa iba pa nating proyektong urban renewal at transformation ng blighted areas sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa,” he added. – iro