The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is ending 2023 with a bang as it expressed optimism for milestones in the coming year, particularly in the implementation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, or 4PH.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar cited the P13 billion total revolving credit lines recently approved by the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund to support 4PH.

Earlier this month, the Pag-IBIG Fund board, chaired by Acuzar, approved P12 billion and P929 million in revolving credit lines for the National Housing Authority and the Social Housing Finance Corporation, respectively.

The credit lines would allow the development and construction of more than 11,000 housing units by the NHA and SHFC to attain the 4PH program.

"This (approved credit lines) will not only sustain the positive momentum we have gained in the nationwide implementation of Pambansang Pabahay but equally important, it will further bolster private sector confidence," Acuzar said.

"We expect more private partners, especially financial institutions, developers, and contractors, to actively participate in the program this coming year," he said.

So far, 17 projects under the flagship Pambansang Pabahay are in various stages of development and construction throughout the country.

Acuzar said about 300 units at the Asenso Yuhum Residences in Bacolod City, headed by Mayor Albee Benitez, are set for turnover. More units are expected for delivery in the coming months.

"I am confident 2024 will be a milestone year for our President's Pambansang Pabahay. Slowly but surely, we are reaping the fruits of our labor," he said. "It's our simple way of returning the favor to President Marcos Jr. for his all-out support to DHSUD."

Acuzar has branded President Marcos' issuance of Executive Orders 34 and 35 as a huge boost to DHSUD's pursuit of its mandate, particularly on providing sustainable housing, human settlements, and urban development.

The President issued the EOs in fulfillment of his commitment not only to the 4PH program but, more importantly, to the overall development of the sector, putting a premium on the welfare of the poorest of the poor.

EO 34 declared Pambansang Pabahay as the flagship program of the government. It directed all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations, to submit their inventory of available lands. At the same time, EO 35 created the Inter-agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development, headed by the DHSUD.

On top of leading Pambansang Pabahay, the DHSUD continuously performs its core mandates, which include policy formulations, environmental land use and urban planning and development, housing and real estate development regulations, homeowners and community developments, and technical advisory roles.