The local government through the Housing and Land Management Division (HLMD) is still accepting applications for the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH), the national socialized housing program under the Marcos administration.

“We still have more units to be availed by our residents here in Zamboanga City,” HLMD chief Rodrigo Pagotaisidro said Tuesday, April 25, during a press conference at City Hall.

To date, the HLMD has received 1,614 applications for the self-contained community housing project which is expected to address the housing backlog of Zamboanga City.

Pagotaisidro further clarified that the site’s location is actually within the jurisdiction of barangay Salaan, and not Boalan as was previously shared.

Applications are done with the HLMD and residents interested to apply are advised to visit the HLMD office at Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar to be briefed on the process and project requirements. All applications will be forwarded to the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG for assessment.

Pagotaisidro reaffirmed that President Bongbong Marcos is expected to grace the groundbreaking ceremonies and the laying of the foundation for the first building which is tentatively scheduled by end of April or on the first week of May.

In the meantime, site development activities continue with the project securing all necessary development licenses and permit. Mayor John Dalipe has earlier issued a certificate tagging the housing project as urgent. Dubbed as “El Vinta Residencia,” the socialized housing project will have 6,400 residential units in eight 12-storey buildings and eight 14-storey buildings on a 14.45-hectare property. Each residential unit measures 27 sq. meters with two bedrooms, living, dining and comfort rooms, and each residential building will have three elevators. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)