Marcos wants BLISS back

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is looking into constructing high-rise housing units to address the current housing backlog in the country.

Speaking at the ceremonial turnover of house and lot units by the National Housing Authority in Naic, Cavite, on Monday, the President said he is considering bringing back the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services project or BLISS, a housing program of his father's administration.

Marcos pointed out, however, that constructing mid-rise houses is no longer practical at present due to "land shortage" in urban places.

"If you remember the BLISS project, that's where mid-rise or five- to six-story buildings started… But now since it's difficult, maybe we can build them taller. Maybe we can make high-rise buildings. But we are still studying this since it will be on a case-to-case basis," he said in Filipino.

The BLISS project, launched in 1981, was presided over by Marcos' mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, who was then Minister of Human Settlements.

Marcos said the shortfall of housing units was at 6.5 million based on government estimates, and that the national government will organize national agencies and local government units to find a solution to the problem.

He directed NHA to continue fulfilling its mandate and ensure families with new homes are provided with a means of livelihood.

"Sometimes it feels like… it's as if it takes an entire year before you get home, especially in Manila. But what we want to ensure is travel time from their homes to work will not take over an hour," he said.

Moreover, 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 be home to some 30,000 Filipino families this Christmas. Monday's ceremonial turnover of house and lot units from the NHA was simultaneously conducted in 13 regions.

The President asked the beneficiaries to take care of and value their new homes and help improve their new community.

"To our beneficiaries, as you start a new life in your new homes, I wish that you first beautify your homes and love it completely because it will be the witness to your and your family's progress," he said.

"I am confident that by uniting, we will gradually give every Filipino family a proper and affordable home."

Beneficiaries of housing units in Naic will pay at least P600 monthly for the first five years after the turnover.

The amortization will increase every five years. The beneficiaries are expected to fully own the property after 30 years.

Each of the 26-square meter one-bedroom units in Naic is worth P558,770, according to NHA.

WITH PAULA ANTOLIN
@tribunephl_phau