By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

 

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  — For years, Alicia Umali and her family have lived with the constant threat of flooding in their community and the uncertainty that every heavy downpour brings.

Through the national government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), the Umali family of Barangay Lerma is among hundreds of Naga City residents moving closer to safer housing.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami kasi natawan po kami ning pagkakataon na matawan niyo na sa kabila san pagsubok na pig-aagihan mi duman sa dati ming pinag-iistaran,” Umali said after being selected as one of the beneficiaries of a modular shelter unit (MSU) during the turnover ceremony on June 18 in Barangay Pacol.

Through the Expanded 4PH Program, the national government is expanding access to safer housing and security of tenure for vulnerable families in Naga City.

The housing initiatives include modular shelter units, rental housing projects, and the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), all aimed at providing safer homes for families living in danger zones and vulnerable communities.

Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo said the housing projects address the long-standing challenges faced by many urban poor families in the city.

The first occupants of the city’s vertical housing project will be 127 residents of Barangay Lerma who were displaced by the clearing operations in the area. The barangay is also among the communities most vulnerable to flooding in Naga City.

The vertical housing project has been a long-standing plan of the city government since 2001.

The rental housing project will consist of five four-story buildings with a total of 320 housing units, providing affordable and secure housing opportunities for low-income families in the city.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa national government. Bahagi ito ng programa sa administrasyon ni President Bongbong Marcos na talagang aggressive na pabahay para sa mga walang bahay,” Robredo said.

She added that 101 MSUs have already been completed and will serve as transitional housing for families awaiting permanent homes. According to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the target number of modular shelters within the two-hectare site is 300 units.

As construction of the MSUs continues, several facilities still need to be completed, including electrical and water connections and common bathroom facilities.

Robredo said DHSUD also plans to build a training center within the area to help residents acquire livelihood skills. A clinic, playground, and vegetable garden are likewise included in the development plan.

She announced that the MSUs will be ready for occupancy about two weeks after the turnover ceremony.

Beyond families living in flood-prone areas, the housing project is also providing immediate shelter to disaster-affected residents.

Among the first recipients of an MSU is Ryan Biñas and his family, who lost their home and two daughters in a fire that struck Sitio Salunguigui in Barangay Cararayan on June 10.

In his message, Biñas expressed gratitude to the national and city governments, as well as to everyone who extended condolences and support during their difficult time.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa indo—sa gabos at dae po nindo kami pinabayaan sa panahon kan kasakitan asin katiusan,” Biñas said.

The housing initiatives were made possible through support from the national government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded 4PH Program.

Robredo said nearly P700 million worth of housing investments have been brought to Naga City.

Of this amount, P480 million was allocated for the rental housing project, while the city’s first transitory housing project is valued at around P80 million.

“Dakula po na swerte sa Naga na natawan kita ning arug kaining kadakulang proyekto haling national government dahil haloy na pong pigmamawot kan gobyerno lokal,” Robredo said, emphasizing that Naga City residents will be prioritized as beneficiaries.

For beneficiaries, the projects represent more than just new housing structures.

Evelyn Deocareza, president of Sabang Puro Urban Kabisig Organization Inc. (SPUKOI), thanked the administration for giving them the opportunity to avail themselves of affordable housing that they can finally call their own.

“An pangaturugon mi, na-realize mi na,” Deocareza said.

Having lived in Naga City since 1995, Deocareza said the project has given her peace of mind and relieved her fears of being displaced from her home.

“Lesser na po ang iniisip namin. Na-boost ang morale mi na sa amin na yun. Igwa na kaming dignidad na sa amin talaga ito. Makakatulong ‘yan kasi lesser na ang iisipin namin, ta kaya na namin bumayad sa lower cost,” Deocareza said. “Salamat po, Presidente, sa pag-iisip nito para makagaan sa buong Pilipino.”

Two communities also received checks from the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) through the Community Mortgage Program under the Expanded 4PH Program, which aims to provide security of tenure and land ownership. Mabolo Homes Subdivision received P17,961,600, while SPUKOI received P8,062,400.

For Deocareza and other beneficiaries, the housing initiatives provide more than just shelter. They offer families the security, dignity, and peace of mind that come with having a place they can finally call their own. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story/PIA Bicol/Camarines Sur)