Pag-IBIG, BCDA venture eyes state lots for shelter

Under a partnership between Pag-IBIG Fund and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), more Filipino workers could gain access to affordable housing near their workplaces, combining government land resources with affordable financing under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The partnership seeks to increase the supply of quality housing while providing financing options that make homeownership more accessible to workers.

It also supports BCDA’s plans to develop affordable and mixed-income housing within reach of New Clark City’s business, industrial and commercial districts, coinciding with the observance of National Shelter Month.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the partnership shows how government institutions can pool their resources to make homeownership more attainable for Filipino workers.

Decent homes via 4PH

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed us to sustain our efforts to provide more Filipino families with access to decent and affordable homes. Through Expanded 4PH, we are bringing together government resources and capabilities to turn that directive into concrete housing opportunities,” Aliling said.

“This collaboration between BCDA and Pag-IBIG Fund puts government land and affordable financing to work toward that goal. We hope to replicate this model with similarly situated institutions in both government and the private sector, making more land available for quality housing and ensuring that more families have the means to own a home,” he added.

Under the memorandum of agreement, BCDA and Pag-IBIG Fund will pursue housing and other development opportunities on identified BCDA properties, bringing together land, infrastructure, financing and housing expertise to help create quality homes in locations that meet Filipino workers’ needs.

The collaboration will initially prioritize about 14 hectares in New Clark City: a 10-hectare property in Bamban, Tarlac, and a 4-hectare property in Capas, Tarlac, with the latter intended for a government center and other complementary developments. Camp John Hay, Morong Discovery Park and the Poro Point Freeport Zone have also been identified for possible projects.

The planned housing development in New Clark City is intended for workers and aims to create a walk-to-work township, bringing homes closer to employment opportunities. The parties envision an integrated development that combines housing with commercial areas and facilities for rest, recreation and other daily needs, helping workers and their families enjoy a more convenient and balanced way of life.

Set amid mountains and trees, the proposed township also seeks to offer workers a home environment with access to green surroundings while keeping them within reach of their workplaces and essential services.

BCDA president and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang shared his perspective on the partnership.

“We see this as a long-term institutional partnership. As our project areas continue to grow, we want to make sure that our properties are put to productive use and that development keeps pace with the needs of the people. Through this partnership, we aim to advance projects within the Marcos administration’s term that will provide quality housing and help give Filipino families greater opportunities to own a home,” Bingcang said.