Providing secure, affordable homes for Bacolodnon

For decades, Bacolod has faced a pressing challenge—the need for affordable housing for its growing population.

But today, a transformative solution is taking shape as the city government finally turned over units of 4PH Program launched under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino.”

City officials headed by Mayor Albee Benitez and Jacqueline Constantino, manager of the Institutional Housing Department and Countryside Housing Initiative Department of the Pag-IBIG Fund, led the ceremonial turnover of the units to the first 46 buyer-beneficiaries of the Asenso Yuhum Residences in Arao, Barangay Vista Alegre on Saturday, Jan. 25.

They are part of the 296 buyer-beneficiaries whose applications have been approved by the Pag-IBIG Fund to receive housing units, each with a minimum area of 24-square meters.

This housing initiative aims to provide secure, affordable homes for residents who have long been burdened by high rental rates and the insecurity of living in informal settlements.

The awardees, who earn the equivalent of a minimum monthly wage of P10,000 and qualify for Pag-IBIG long-term housing loans, will benefit from the subsidy of the 

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), allowing them to pay reduced monthly amortizations of P2,300 over 30 years.

Benitez, in a media interview, after the event, announced that this city is leading the way in the country with its first-ever turnover of units for occupancy to the beneficiaries, marking a significant step in the city’s commitment to providing affordable homes for its residents.

He added that this city was also the first to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the project with the DHSUD for its implementation.

We want to ensure that every Bacolodnon who needs a home can have one of their own

While there have been doubts about the smooth progress of the project, with some questioning whether the construction would meet its targets without encountering major setbacks, Benitez reassured the public that they’ve already proven that the take-out process works, and they’re confident that the remaining units will be completed without any issues.

The city government has partnered with a consortium of WRS Holdings Inc. and Scheirman Construction Consolidated Inc. through a joint venture agreement to bring the 4PH housing projects to life.

The development will feature approximately 20 mid-rise condominium buildings, each ranging from four to five stories.

He also noted that the support from the national government has been instrumental, and they are now building on this momentum to ensure that no Bacolodnon is left behind.

Younger homeowners will pay as little as P2,194.84 for their initial monthly amortization, with no required equity.

“We want to ensure that every Bacolodnon who needs a home can have one of their own,” Benitez said.

Among those benefiting from the program is Marjorie Panday, a business owner, who has spent five years renting before finally securing her own home. 

She was previously renting a house in Barangay Singcang-Airport, following the demolition of their former residence in Barangay 39.

Panday said that the space she acquired is so much more comfortable and secured. “It’s overwhelming and it feels good,” she added.

For Rose Anne Pondales, a call center agent, the new home represents a much-needed relief from the stress of budgeting every month, considering that she has a three-year-old child and a Grade 8 student.

Pondales was renting for 10 years and she would recall that every time she had to pay for the rent, she was constantly worried if her budget would stretch for the entire month.
Winnie Pabalinas also expressed joy for the opportunity given to Bacolodnons to secure their own home. She considers this as an investment.

Emmanuel Villaera, a government employee and a father of four, who had been renting for 35 years, recalls the high costs of renting and the financial strain it caused on his family. “Now, I finally have a place I can call my own,” he said.

Benitez is also focused on addressing the transportation needs of this new community, with discussions underway to set up transportation terminals to ensure easy access to city centers.

Looking ahead, the city is planning to expand the housing project, with plans to build nearly 4,500 units in the coming years. Areas like Taculing, Mandalagan, and Banago have been identified as future sites for development.

Benitez said that he will discuss with national government officials to ensure that this project will be institutionalized, with continuous funding and support to ensure its sustainability for future generations. 

The mayor hopes that Bacolod’s efforts will inspire other LGUs and developers to take similar steps toward building affordable housing.

(Photo) City officials headed by Mayor Albee Benitez (sixth from right) and Rep. Greg Gasataya (eighth from left) during the ceremonial turnover of housing units to the first 46 buyer-beneficiaries of the Asenso Yuhum Residences in Arao, Barangay Vista Alegre on Saturday, Jan. 25. (Photo from Councilor Israel Salanga/Facebook)