NAGA CITY — The Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program delivered tangible housing solutions to Naga City on June 18, 2026, with the turnover of modular shelter units, a rental housing groundbreaking, and land tenure awards. The milestones marked the 78th Charter Anniversary of the city led by Mayor Leni Robredo.
A Bayanihan Village Rises in Pacol
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) formally handed over 101 completed modular shelter units in Barangay Pacol, the first phase of a 300‑unit transitory housing site. The 2‑hectare initial development sits on a 10‑hectare city‑owned property reserved for disaster‑affected families. These units provide immediate, dignified shelter.
Mayor Robredo explained that the Bayanihan Village serves as a temporary staging ground while permanent housing is prepared. Families displaced by flood mitigation, clearing operations, or recurring fires will find safety here. Workers are finalizing electrical connections, water pumps, and communal facilities to ensure livability.
Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling emphasized that the turnover proves the administration’s serious commitment to housing. He noted that DHSUD continues to coordinate with local governments to expand the program. The modular units, with separate bedrooms and generous layouts, offer more than emergency refuge—they restore a sense of home.
Breaking Ground on Rental Housing
Across the city in Barangay Lerma, officials led a groundbreaking for the Naga City Rental Housing Project. This initiative will provide affordable rental options for families not yet ready to purchase homes. An architectural blueprint was unveiled, showcasing a modern, space‑efficient design suited for urban living.
The rental project broadens the spectrum of housing solutions beyond ownership. It acknowledges that many workers and young families need flexible tenure before committing to a mortgage. The design incorporates communal spaces to foster neighborly ties while maintaining privacy.
Land Tenure and Financial Partnerships
Hundreds of urban poor families achieved security of tenure through the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program. A total of ₱26 million was distributed to two homeowners’ associations. The Sabang Puro Urban Kabisig group received over ₱8 million for 161 families, while the Mabolo Homes Phase 1 association got nearly ₱18 million for 204 families.
This marked the first ECMP rollout in Bicol, signaling the program’s reach beyond Metro Manila. The checks were handed over ceremonially, but the impact is deeply personal. For families who lived for decades without legal land rights, the moment meant the end of uncertainty and the start of genuine ownership.
The Pag‑IBIG Fund and the city government signed a Memorandum of Understanding to streamline housing finance. A separate agreement with Bella Vita, a private developer, was formalized to expand housing options. These partnerships illustrate a whole‑of‑society approach, blending public resources with private sector efficiency.
Beyond Shelter: An Integrated Community
Secretary Aliling announced that a training center will be built within the Pacol site to provide livelihood skills. A community clinic and children’s playground are also in the pipeline. Adjacent land will be converted into a vegetable garden to enhance food security for residents.
These additions transform the housing site from a mere cluster of buildings into a holistic, integrated community. The vision is to equip families with the tools to rebuild their lives economically while they reside in temporary shelter. The 4PH program thus extends beyond construction to address the root causes of vulnerability.
The event underscored a shared commitment to inclusive growth. With the ribbon‑cutting, groundbreakings, and check awards, Naga City demonstrated how national policy translates into local, life‑changing action. As the 4PH gains momentum, more communities can expect similar transformative interventions.
