The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the University of the Philippines (UP) on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) formalizing the implementation of a pilot rental housing project under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The project aims to provide affordable rental housing for UP faculty members, non-teaching personnel and long-time informal settler families within the campus.

It is the first rental housing initiative to be implemented inside a state university under the flagship housing program.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the partnership was in compliance with President Marcos’ directive to broaden housing access for dignified living for Filipino families.

“Malinaw po ang direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.: siguruhin na walang Pilipinong maiiwanan sa programang pabahay ng pamahalaan. Na mas maraming pangarap ang matutupad sa tulong ng gobyerno lalo na ang mga higit na nangangailangan (President Marcos Jr.’s directive is clear: ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the government’s housing program. That more dreams will be fulfilled with the help of the government, especially those who are most in need)” Aliling said as quoted in a news release.

The Marilag Residences Rental Housing Project will be developed through a design-and-build scheme.

The UP Office of Design and Planning Initiatives will provide construction management support to ensure alignment with the university’s development standards.

Phase 1 of the project covers the construction of 3 four-story buildings with 107 housing units each, using pre-fabricated residential clusters.

A total of 321 units is set to be constructed along with essential utilities, drainage systems, water tanks and designated access routes. Full-site development includes 152 parking slots, as well as access roads and utility connections.

Aliling emphasized that the project strengthens efforts to diversify shelter options under the Expanded 4PH Program by accommodating families who prefer or require rental-based housing.

“Ang rental housing ay isa sa mga housing modalities sa ilalim ng Expanded 4PH Program ng ating Pangulong Marcos Jr. Ito ay para mas maraming pamilyang Pilipino pa ang matulungan manahan sa ligtas, disente at abot kayang pabahay (Rental housing is one of the housing modalities under the Expanded 4PH Program of our President Marcos Jr. This is to help more Filipino families live in safe, decent and affordable housing),” he said.

He added that the development is envisioned to serve as a long-term community for members of the UP System.

Preparatory works for the construction of the Phase 1 buildings shall commence following the MOA signing. (PNA)