About 15,000 housing units under the Marcos administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program are expected to rise in this city, Mayor Alfredo Garbin said Thursday.

In an interview, Garbin said the construction of the housing units aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of the “Pabahay Para sa Lahat (Housing for All)” and is aimed at addressing the housing backlog and helping decongest urban settlements in the city.

“The city government is committed to providing the necessary housing units to our fellow citizens who do not yet have a home, especially those from informal sectors who want to avail of this opportunity,” Garbin said.

He said the PHP10 billion project of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and a private developer covers 30 hectares in Barangay Taysan.

“We are fortunate because the national government, particularly DHSUD, really trusts our city’s governance. That’s probably why we were chosen for one of the biggest housing investments,” Garbin said.

The project is an opportunity for informal settlers, especially those occupying private lands and are subject to eviction, the mayor added.

Qualified beneficiaries may avail of the housing units for as low as PHP3,500 a month, so long as they are active members of the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG.

Garbin said the project is also expected to boost local employment and economic activity.

“Not only will this project develop a housing complex, but it will also generate much-needed employment. During the construction period alone, thousands of Legazpeños will be hired — construction workers, laborers, even architects, engineers, and some managers who will be employed in the project,” he said.

“This will truly bring great opportunities.”

The housing project will feature amenities and facilities, such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, and recreational park, and is also expected to generate livelihood opportunities for residents.

The groundbreaking activity for the project is scheduled on April 24 and will be attended by DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar.

The first building under the program is expected to be delivered by the second quarter of 2026, while the entire project is targeted for completion by 2030. (PNA)