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| President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday that the government is considering building high-rise housing to address the country's growing demand for housing. Photo: OPS |
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said on Monday that the government is mulling over the possibility of constructing high-rise housing units to address the country's current backlog and meet the growing demand for adequate housing.
During the official turnover of house and lot units from the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Naic, Cavite, President Marcos pointed out that there was a shortage of 3.5 million housing units when he was still a senator.
Marcos said that the government estimated a 6.5 million housing unit shortfall when he took office.
He added that government may replicate the BLISS project, which pioneered the construction of mid-rise housing units, particularly in urban areas, in the past.
The President highlighted that the government is actively working to organize various entities to find a solution to the growing demand for more shelters across the country. These entities include local government units (LGUs), the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the legislature, and the national government.
In his speech, the President also directed the NHA to continue carrying out its mandate and to ensure that families receiving new homes have a means of subsistence.
To ensure the recipients' safety, the President directed the agency to construct strong enough shelters to withstand the threat posed by natural disasters.
President Marcos presided over Monday's ceremonial turnover of NHA house and lot units, which took place simultaneously across the country. This Christmas, the new housing units will house approximately 30,000 Filipino families.
He urged the beneficiaries to treasure their new homes, take good care of them, participate in developing their new neighborhood, and contribute toward its improvement.
In addition, President Marcos asked for the assistance of the local government units and the private sector to ensure the beneficiaries' health and safety in their new surroundings.