House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday inspected the Palayan City Township Housing Project in Nueva Ecija and described the site as a symbol of real and lasting transformation under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program of the Marcos administration.

In a speech, Romualdez reflected on the progress made since he joined President Marcos during the groundbreaking ceremony of one of the largest 4PH developments so far, nearly two and a half years ago.

Now, he said, real changes are happening in the housing project.

Of the 24 planned mid-rise buildings in the first phase, eight are already under active construction. Two buildings, comprising 538 units, are currently in the Pag-IBIG Fund’s loan takeout process, while another 538 units are on track for turnover by June 2026.

Several families have already moved into their new homes, completing interior work with help from the local government and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

“Kaya saludo po tayo sa kanila. Iyan ang tunay na bayanihan — ang pagtutulungan ng gobyerno at pribadong sektor para sa kabutihan ng mga tao (We salute them. This is the real collective action – the collaboration between the government and the private sector for the good of the people),” Romualdez said.

The Palayan City government also reopened applications for housing, allowing more Nueva Ecija residents, to avail of the 4PH program, particularly low-income families, informal settlers and local employees.

Romualdez praised President Marcos for his “visionary leadership,” crediting the administration’s 4PH program for delivering “life-changing results” to Filipinos.

He emphasized that the Palayan project is part of a broader national goal to address the country’s massive housing backlog, estimated by DHSUD at 6.5 to 7 million units.

He pledged continued support from the House of Representatives in crafting laws and securing funding to sustain the 4PH’s momentum. (PNA)