As one of the first local government units to sign up for the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) program, this highly-urbanized city is supporting all feasible modalities being pushed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to make 4PH more inclusive and sustainable.

In a press briefing on Monday, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he welcomes the recalibration of the program as the city government is implementing the Asenso Yuhum Residences, a multi-story condominium-type development in Barangay Vista Alegre.

“That’s really okay. The program in Vista Alegre is designed for a specific market. If we want to be comprehensive and inclusive, we need different modalities,” he said.

Among these are horizontal developments or subdivision-like housing projects, and rental housing support which are being explored by the DHSUD under newly-appointed Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

Benitez said the city government has procured a 17-hectare lot in Barangay Granada, which is adjacent to its current relocation site, to also pursue horizontal housing projects.

Meantime, the Asenso Yuhum Residences has a huge market acceptance, he noted.

“There are several applicants who want to avail of the housing units because they see it as a viable option. We will continue the project and now that we have a new DHSUD Secretary, hopefully we can accelerate our housing program,” he said.

In March this year, the city government turned over the keys to buyer-beneficiaries of the 64-unit second tower of the Asenso Yuhum Residences.

The first batch, also comprising 64 occupants, received their housing units in Building 1 in January.

An initial 296 buyer-beneficiaries, approved through the Home Mutual Development (Pag-IBIG) Fund, have been identified to occupy the first four towers.

The third building has 80 units while the fourth has 88, according to the Bacolod Housing Authority. (PNA)