THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Monday formalized partnerships with four Mindanao local government units (LGUs) for housing projects which target to benefit around 48,000 families.

Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar signed MOUs with Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy , Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa, and Opol, Misamis Oriental Mayor Jayfrancis Bago and Mayor Dionisio Cabahug, of Tubod, Lanao del Norte represented by Vice Mayor Clifford Jumalon, at the DHSUD Central Office on Monday.

More than 60 hectares of land are set to be developed in various barangays in the four LGUs for the construction of multiple medium to high-rise buildings under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.

In his message, Secretary Acuzar highlighted the important role LGUs play in the flagship housing program as he enjoined their commitment to ensure its success.

“The huge housing backlog is not just a figure we need to close. Each number represents a family needing a roof over their heads. As we pursue our mandate and push for the administration’s 4PH Program, we recognize the important role of local government units,” Secretary Acuzar said.

“Your (LGUs) commitment is crucial for its success as you are involved in all its phases – from identifying the location, planning the design and determining target beneficiaries,” he added.

The housing czar vowed DHSUD’s all-out support to the LGUs.

THE department already signed MOUs with more than 130 LGUs under the 4PH program which aims to address the country’s 6.5 million housing backlog by building one million housing units per year throughout the current administration’s term.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi