State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to develop 500,000 housing units within the New Clark City in Tarlac province.
The two agencies formalized their partnership with the signing of the MOU under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing Program.
“This could be the answer to decongestion of surrounding highly-urbanized areas, and also tapping the full economic potential of New Clark City by putting up residential structures, hence, the populace,” said DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, citing the huge potential of the area in terms of township developments under 4PH.
“There are already government facilities here. We only need to bring in population to spur economic activities. And by putting up decent yet affordable and sustainable housing units, surely, we will attract home buyers,” he said.
Azucar said the DHSUD and BCDA committed to exploring the plan within the next few weeks.
New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, green and resilient metropolis, masterfully laid out and highly connected with mixed-use developments and an integrated transport system.
The 9,450-hectare greenfield development is being positioned as a world-class city that focuses on livebility and sustainability and is expected to catalyze economic growth in Central Luzon.
BCDA chairman Delfin Lorenzana said the green city is being developed with the needs of the people at the forefront of the masterplan.
“We believe that New Clark City is one of the ideal sites for the Marcos administration’s housing program, having the potential to play a key role in addressing the housing shortage in the country,” he said.
The proposed housing sites would benefit the residents and workers in Clark regardless of age, background and income. It will also provide housing facilities to families affected by government projects in New Clark City and government employees and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Once fully developed, we expect New Clark City to be home to roughly 1.2 million Filipinos. With the DHSUD as our partner, the BCDA is confident that we will be able to provide future residents with integrated, people-centered, and sustainable mixed-use developments where they can live comfortably,” said BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang.
Azucar said the MOU with BCDA is the “joint answer to the call of President Marcos Jr. to assist Filipino families who continue to dream of having a house of their own.”
“With this MOU, the DHSUD and BCDA pool together our resources and expertise in promoting the flagship 4PH Program and help our kababayans,” he said.