CAPAS, Tarlac — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 5.84-hectare affordable housing project inside the New Clark City on Thursday.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Undersecretary Emmanuel D. Pineda, BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes, and BCDA president and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang led the groundbreaking ceremony for the landmark project that will contribute to the Marcos administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.

The project, launched in partnership with the DHSUD and consortium of Sta. Clara International Corporation and South Korea-based Saekyung Unitless Co., is part of a broader push to address the country’s housing backlog through inclusive, people-centered urban development.

Located in this province, the site will initially deliver 840 housing units under the 4PH program. These units form part of a larger, masterplanned 5.84-hectare community that will eventually offer more than 3,400 residential units, including mid-rise buildings for affordable housing.

“This housing project is a testament to the bold vision of President Marcos Jr., brought to life through 4PH,” Bingcang said.

Undersecretary Pineda said, “This is a real and tangible step forward in our collective pursuit of a new Philippines — Bagong Pilipinas — where housing is a right, not a privilege; where communities are safe, sustainable and inclusive; and where every Filipino can dream of owning a home and actually be able to achieve ownership.”

Beyond housing, the New Clark City Affordable Housing Project integrates green parks, community spaces, sports and recreation facilities, and retail zones, while offering future residents access to nearby national institutions and job hubs. Notably, the community will also serve as a potential housing site for uniformed personnel, allowing them to live closer to their place of duty.

Situated within BCDA’s flagship New Clark City, the project benefits from significant infrastructure investments, including the New Clark City–MacArthur Highway Connector Road and Connecting Road Package 2, which link the city to the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas complex, and the National Academy of Sports.

New Clark City is currently host to P274.53 billion in pledged investments from locators, including Filinvest Land, Hann Development, and the StB Giga Factory, with projected employment generation exceeding 150,000 jobs.

Consistent with New Clark City’s vision as a climate-resilient and people-first metropolis, the housing complex will feature modern utilities, stormwater drainage systems, fire protection infrastructure and open green spaces. Employment during construction and operations will also prioritize local hires from Capas and surrounding towns.