P5.5-B housing project begins

BACOLOD CITY: The ground works for the first phase of P5.5-billion Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, will start this week with the arrival of its developer, Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson said Wednesday, January 24.

Tongson said that the groundbreaking of the 4PH project in Himamaylan City will be simultaneously done with the turnover and ribbon cutting of the Yuhom housing project in Bacolod City, with the President as the guest of honor, as suggested by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

He said 3,000 housing condominium-type units will be constructed, with a budget of P170 million to P180 million, per building.

The cities of Bacolod and Victorias in Negros Occidental are also recipients of the 4PH Program of the Marcos administration.

With the help of the DHSUD, the mayor said the living conditions of the people in Himamaylan City is expected not only to improve, “but also stimulate economic growth and development, setting a promising example for addressing housing challenges nationwide.”

“The target beneficiaries will be residents of Himamaylan City, especially those who need proper housing units, and a good opportunity for men and women in the government, including teachers, among others,” Tongson said.

Meanwhile, Tongson confirmed that he will be seeking a third term as mayor in the 2025 elections.

Tongson added that he will still be partnering with Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao.

He said that their tandem popularly known as the TOGA (Tongson-Gatuslao) Team “has been together since the 2019 and 2022 elections and together they will seek reelection for their third and final term.”