The National Housing Authority (NHA) has announced its commitment to constructing ten thousand housing units for informal settler families (ISFs) residing along the Pasig riverbanks. This initiative is part of the collaborative efforts between the NHA and the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) to establish resettlement sites.
Alvin Feliciano, Assistant General Manager of the NHA and former chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, stated that the NHA, under the leadership of General Manager Joeben Tai, is actively engaged in processing and documenting the safe relocation of thousands of ISFs living along the riverbanks. The NHA, also serving as the secretariat for the IAC-PRUD, is dedicated to constructing ten thousand housing units exclusively for the ISFs affected by the grand rehabilitation of the 25-kilometer Pasig River.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the mother unit of the NHA, has proposed two relocation sites for the project. One is in collaboration with the Philippine Ports Authority in Manila, while the other is in partnership with the Laguna Lake Development Authority at the Lupang Arenda in Rizal province.
The rehabilitation project, known as “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” (PBBM), is aimed at transforming the Pasig River into a center of economic activity and tourism, as well as improving transportation connectivity in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces. Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar of the DHSUD highlighted that the project’s master plan prioritizes the ISFs living along the Pasig riverbanks, who will be accommodated under the administration’s flagship housing program, the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH).
Acuzar emphasized that the government is committed to providing the ISFs with their own homes at the proposed resettlement sites to pave the way for the PBBM project, which was initiated by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The vision for the revival of the Pasig River includes safe walkways and bikeways along its banks, greener corridors, and a series of parks with commercial establishments for nearby communities.
Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Lady inaugurated the showcase area of the PBBM program at the MacArthur Bridge and Jones Bridge in Manila. This event marked a significant milestone in the efforts to revitalize the Pasig River and unlock its potential for multiple benefits, such as economic growth, improved transportation, and enhanced recreational spaces for the local communities.
The construction of ten thousand housing units along the Pasig riverbanks is a crucial step in addressing the needs of the informal settler families and ensuring their smooth relocation. By providing them with secure and comfortable homes, the government aims to support their transition and contribute to the overall development and revitalization of the Pasig River and its surrounding areas.
This ambitious project signifies the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and the improvement of living conditions for all residents. As the plans progress, it is essential to ensure that the implementation aligns with local laws, customs, and the specific needs of the communities involved. With careful execution and ongoing collaboration, the Pasig River can truly become a vibrant and thriving hub of economic activity, tourism, and community development.
Source: The Manila Times
