The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Thursday marked another milestone in the government’s housing program with the ceremonial turnover of the 1Bataan Housing Project in Pilar, Bataan, while extending land ownership assistance to more than 170 families in Palawan and Camarines Norte.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene Acosta led the turnover of the Pilar 4PH Project in Barangay Balut II, together with Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, local officials and private sector partners.

Developed under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the project offers 600 ready-for-occupancy condominium-style units in five-story mid-rise buildings for low-income families and first-time homebuyers.

Acosta said the project provides subsidized, quality and affordable housing while supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of expanding homeownership opportunities.

The development, built by Diamond Land Resources Inc., is strategically located near major highways, schools, health facilities, public markets and the Freeport Area of Bataan, making it accessible to workers and residents.

Each 25-square-meter unit has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen, with monthly amortization estimated at about P5,198 over 30 years under DHSUD’s interest subsidy program.

Meanwhile, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) released more than P23 million under the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), enabling 174 families to acquire ownership of the land they have long occupied.

In Puerto Princesa City, the Divine Mercy Homeowners’ Association received more than P17 million to purchase land benefiting 119 families, while the Goldenspringville Homeowners’ Association in Daet, Camarines Norte received over P5 million for 55 families.

SHFC president and CEO Federico Laxa said the ECMP helps transform informal settler communities into secure neighborhoods by providing accessible financing for land acquisition.

“The ECMP is more than a housing initiative. It gives Filipino families security of tenure, dignity, and the chance to build a better future in a community they can truly call their own,” Laxa said.

Since its launch in July last year, the ECMP has approved 47 projects benefiting more than 8,100 families nationwide as the government continues to expand access to affordable and sustainable housing.