The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Quezon City government signed two memorandums of agreement (MoAs) on Tuesday to kickstart rental housing projects for informal settler families (ISFs), including those living along waterways and danger zones.

Under the agreements, DHSUD will support the construction of medium-rise buildings in Sauyo and Bagong Silangan, areas identified by the Quezon City LGU for rental housing under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The projects are expected to benefit around 2,900 residents, with essential utilities such as roads, power, drainage, and water distribution included. DHSUD and Quezon City are still finalizing project details.

The first project under the Expanded 4PH Program is the Marilag Residences at UP Diliman Campus, which is expected to serve at least 3,000 residents and has already begun initial site works.

In a statement, DHSUD Secretary Jose Aliling said, “Following President Marcos Jr.’s directive, we have expanded 4PH so more people can benefit. The partnership between DHSUD and Quezon City is proof that rental housing under the Expanded 4PH is moving forward.”

He added, “Through these projects, which are guaranteed to be safe and high-quality, we are not only moving our fellow citizens away from danger zones and waterways, but also helping address the long-standing problem of flooding.”

The MoAs follow last year’s exploratory talks between Secretary Aliling and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who expressed full support for the Department’s rental housing initiative under the Expanded 4PH program.

Since assuming office in May, Secretary Aliling has prioritized including rental housing as one of the new modalities under the Expanded 4PH Program.

Similar projects are also planned soon in Victorias and Iloilo in the Visayas.

“Providing decent, safe, affordable, and dignified housing for all is one of President Marcos Jr.’s priorities under the Expanded 4PH,” Aliling said, emphasizing that the program also caters to the working class through Pag-IBIG Fund, which offers the lowest interest rates for beneficiaries.