The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the University of the Philippines (UP) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement a pilot rental housing project under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Located in Pook Marilag, UP Diliman, Quezon City, the project aims to provide affordable rental housing for UP faculty members, non-teaching personnel, and long-time informal settler families within the campus. It is the first rental housing initiative inside a state university under the flagship housing program.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the partnership aligns with President Marcos Jr.'s directive to broaden housing access and ensure dignified living for Filipino families.

"Malinaw po ang direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.: siguruhin na walang Pilipinong maiiwanan sa programang pabahay ng pamahalaan. Na mas maraming pangarap ang matutupad sa tulong ng gobyerno lalo na ang mga higit na nangangailangan," Secretary Aliling said.

The Marilag Residences Rental Housing Project will be developed through a design-and-build scheme, with the UP Office of Design and Planning Initiatives providing construction management support to ensure compliance with the university's development standards.

Phase 1 of the project covers three four-story buildings with 107 housing units each, using pre-fabricated residential clusters. A total of 321 units will be constructed, complete with essential utilities, drainage systems, water tanks, and designated access routes. The full-site development includes 152 parking slots as well as access roads and utility connections.

Secretary Aliling emphasized that the project strengthens efforts to diversify shelter options under the Expanded 4PH Program by supporting families who prefer or require rental-based housing.

"Ang rental housing ay isa sa mga housing modalities sa ilalim ng Expanded 4PH Program ng ating Pangulong Marcos Jr. Ito ay para mas maraming pamilyang Pilipino pa ang matulungan manahan sa ligtas, disente at abot kayang pabahay," he noted.

He added that the development is envisioned to serve as a long-term community for members of the UP System.

"Nawa' y sa paglipas ng panahon, ang Pook Marilag housing project ay hindi lamang kilalanin bilang isang gusali, kundi bilang tahanan ng mga pangarap, tagumpay, at bagong simula," Secretary Aliling said.

Preparatory works for the construction of the Phase 1 buildings will commence following the MOA signing.