More Filipino workers stand to gain access to quality homes closer to their workplaces as Pag-IBIG Fund and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) bring together government land and affordable financing, building on the gains of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.
The partnership advances Expanded 4PH’s approach of addressing both sides of the housing equation by increasing the supply of quality homes and matching these with affordable financing. Coming as the country celebrates National Shelter Month, the collaboration also aligns with BCDA’s plans to provide affordable and mixed-income housing for workers within reach of New Clark City’s business, industrial and commercial districts.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the partnership demonstrates how institutions can combine their resources to make homeownership more attainable for Filipino workers.
“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. 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,” Mr. Aliling said.
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 approximately 14 hectares in New Clark City, comprising 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,” Mr. Bingcang said. “Building on our previous 4PH groundbreaking, we look forward to working with Pag-IBIG Fund to turn more of these opportunities into quality housing for Filipino families,” he added.
Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the partnership opens opportunities to make housing more affordable while placing greater attention on how a home’s location affects workers’ daily lives.
“Making homeownership more accessible means bringing together affordable financing and quality homes in locations that meet Filipino workers’ needs. Through this partnership, BCDA can provide access to government land, while Pag-IBIG Fund can contribute financing and housing expertise. This gives us an opportunity to build homes closer to workplaces and make it possible for our members to walk to work, helping them spend less on transportation, avoid long commutes and enjoy a better balance between work and home. Beyond homeownership, we want our housing efforts to ease our members’ daily expenses and give them more time with their families,” Ms. Acosta said.
Ms. Acosta and Mr. Bingcang signed the memorandum of agreement on Oct. 8 at the BCDA office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, with Mr. Aliling witnessing the signing. Also present were BCDA Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Gisela Z. Kalalo; DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles, Jr.; and Pag-IBIG Fund officials Deputy Chief Executive Officers Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar and Benjamin R. Felix, Jr., Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer Atty. Marcial C. Pimentel, Jr., Senior Vice-President Fermin A. Sta. Teresa, Jr., and Acting Vice-Presidents Atty. Jose Robert Po and Tina Marie Gabiosa.
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