Beneficiaries of the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) Program in this highly urbanized city received the keys to the initial batch of units at Asenso Yuhum Residences in Barangay Vista Alegre on Saturday.

The first-time homeowners, occupants of Building 1, applied for home ownership under the 4PH through the Home Mutual Development (Pag-IBIG) Fund.

They are among the 296 buyer-beneficiaries whose applications were already approved by the Pag-IBIG Fund to avail of the housing units, with an area of at least 24 square meters each.

With government subsidy, a homeowner in the younger age bracket will pay as low as PHP2,194.84 initial monthly amortization without equity.

Emmanuel Villaera, president of the Building 1 Homeowners Association, said homeownership was a long-cherished goal.

“At 57, I am thrilled to own a home after renting for more than three decades to prioritize my children’s education and other family needs,” he shared.

Couple Gerome and Marjorie Panday, both in their early 30s and parents to two, previously rented in Barangay Singcang-Airport following the demolition of their former residence in Barangay 39.

“It feels great and overwhelming to have our own home. We are much more comfortable and secure here,” Marjorie said, adding that their small food business earnings will help cover their monthly amortization.

Call center agents Edman Baladhay, 32, and wife Merry Christ, 28, were also renters but can now raise their children in their own home.

Workmates Sisa Fegidero, 34, and Rossana Villacasten, 35, were the first ones to choose each of their housing units at Building 1.

“At the office yesterday, I was so excited knowing that our unit will be turned over today. For the first time in my 34 years, I finally have my own home,” Fegidero, a single mother to one, said.

Villacasten said she and her husband hope to start their own family at the housing project.

In 2023, Bacolod was the first local government unit to sign an agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to implement the 4PH, the flagship shelter program of the Marcos administration.

The city government entered into a joint venture agreement with the consortium of WRS Holdings Inc. and Scheirman Construction Consolidated Inc. for the development of the 4PH housing projects.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Jacqueline Constantino, manager of the Institutional Housing Department and Countryside Housing Initiative Department of the Pag-IBIG Fund, led the ceremonial turnover of symbolic keys to the first 46 buyer-beneficiaries at the project’s clubhouse.

“Our dream is for all Bacolodnons to have a place to call home,” Benitez said during the event. (PNA)