Several members of the House of Representatives have commended the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for “innovative solutions” in finally ending the country’s housing gap.
During a recent budget hearing by the House Appropriations Committee, led by Rep. Elizaldy Co, the lawmakers recognized DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar for his out-of-the-box approach to confronting the challenges in the housing sector.
At the same time, the lawmakers expressed support to DHSUD’s efforts to build one million housing units per year in the next six years as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We really need the help of Congress to accomplish the mission given to us by our President: address the housing gap by building six million units in six years,” Acuzar said.
DHSUD estimated the country’s housing backlog will reach more than 6.5 million units by end of the year. “We are introducing innovative solutions to the housing problem,” Acuzar said.
During the budget hearing, Acuzar, along with key DHSUD officials, presented to the lawmakers the priority housing program approved by President Marcos.
Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, committee on appropriations senior vice chairperson, lauded the program saying, “your idea is nice. I’m happy that you’re thinking out of the box, congratulations. We need that, finally.”
Acuzar is also asking lawmakers for P36 billion to fund the interest subsidy for the first one million units. He cited the importance of jumpstarting the program with the necessary budget allocation.
The DHSUD chief said that the funding will help address the two main problems in the housing sector—affordability and access to fund.
The funding would help address the two main problems in the housing sector—affordability and access to funds, the official said.