Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the provincial government of Camarines Sur for a  housing project.

Camarines Sur Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte, along with other provincial officials, dropped by at DHSUD Central Office in Quezon City to sign the MOU with Acuzar. The event was witnessed by other DHSUD key officials.

The MOU with Camarines Sur is the 29th signed by DHSUD with various LGUs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao since the launch of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program in August.

It will pave the way for a planned vertical housing project in Barangay Concepcion, Naga City that will build 10,000 units.

"This (MOU signing) is just the start of a much challenging work ahead, not only for us at DHSUD but for all of us, especially the local government," said Acuzar. "Upang maging matagumpay ang programang ito, kailangan nating magsama-sama at magtulung-tulong, magkaisa para sa pangarap ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na isulong ang pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng maayos na tahanan at maunlad na komunidad,"

Villafuerte, who was accompanied by Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. and Board Member Niño Tayco, lauded Acuzar and the DHSUD for the MOU.

Under the President's flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, the DHSUD is tasked to build 1 million houses annually in the next six years to address the country's housing backlog pegged at more than 6.5 million units.

Acuzar highlighted the important role of LGUs in the flagship housing program—from planning and conceptualization to the identification of beneficiaries and the estate management and sustainability of the projects.

"We at DHSUD are inspired by the enthusiasm and support of our LGUs to the program… With this, I know that we are up for the challenge and we are right on track," he said.