A total of 21 barangays (villages) in this capital city’s north district are being considered for the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, an official said on Thursday.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, overseer of the housing program of the city government here, said officials from the 21 barangays have already completed their orientation seminar for the implementation of 4PH.

“This national housing initiative aims to address the needs of informal settlers, with estimates indicating that over 8,000 individuals may benefit,” he said.

According to him, the Department for the Welfare of the Urban Poor has begun accepting applications for city residents who plan to avail of the government’s 4PH program.

Under the program, the national government will construct 12-story medium-rise buildings (MRBs) that accommodate at least 250 homeless families.

Initially, the city government identified the hinterland villages of Pulangbato and Binaliw as possible areas for the MRBs.

The MRBs, equipped with elevators, will have 27-square-meter space for each occupant family.

Applicants of 4PH can loan the housing unit for up to 30 years.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia praised the 4PH program of Marcos Jr. for partnering with the city in rolling out housing projects for the poor.

“The good thing about this program is that the national government is working hand in hand with the local government in the implementation, especially in the task to identify qualified applicants from the poor sector,” the acting mayor told the Philippine News Agency.

Low-income earners such as habal-habal drivers, delivery drivers, carpenters, welders, call center agents, and government employees are qualified to avail of the housing project. (PNA)