THE House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Urban Development chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez on Thursday formed a technical working group (TWG) to reconcile 12 measures that would finance the housing programs of the government.
House Bills (HB) 1150, 2766, 3451, 4305, 4784, 4806, 5813, 7443, 8083, 8320, 9362, and 9499 seek to provide for a National Housing Development, Production, and Financing Program, revitalize the Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Financing Act of 1994, and institutionalize the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Rep. Benitez remarked that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared mass housing as a flagship program. He stressed the need for innovation to help solve the long-standing housing crisis in the country, ensure better rollout of future housing initiatives and improve access to affordable housing.
He stressed the need for an integrated financing approach, given the government’s limited fiscal space, adding that the housing financing ecosystem should be future-proofed.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Director Mark Sambar acknowledged that the 12 measures indicate legislators’ commitment to develop the sector. National Housing Authority (NHA) Research and Policy Development Division Acting Manager Maria Luisa Tengco expressed support for institutionalizing the 4PH, describing it as a comprehensive and integrated program. She reported that the NHA has already established partnerships with several local government units that would provide for a more efficient implementation of the 4PH.
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