The promise of inclusive progress through quality, affordable housing begins to take shape as Iloilo City breaks ground for the P2.539-billion Uswag 4PH Condominium Complex Friday, May 9.
"It embodies our vision of a more progressive and inclusive Iloilo City—where every Ilonggo has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed. To our national partners, thank you for trusting Iloilo City as a model for this program. To our developers, your hands will help build more than just structures; you will build futures," said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
He was joined by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Iloilo City councilors and heads of offices, and key officials from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), EON Realty and Development Corporation, and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Project is a flagship program of the Marcos Administration, overseen by DHSUD.
For the Uswag 4PH Condominium Complex, the local government provided the land where the project will rise, while the actual construction will be through the winning contractor at no cost to the city.
"Immediately when the President (Marcos Jr.) declared that housing is a priority project of the administration, we borrowed funds from DBP to purchase the land," the mayor added.
Located in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro District, the residential complex will consist of 13 ten-story buildings with 129 units each, totaling 1,677 units.
Unit sizes range from 24 to 27 square meters, priced at P1.53 million to P1.71 million.
The complex will also include a multipurpose hall, basketball court, pavilion, swimming pool, parks and playground, perimeter fence, guardhouse, and a materials recovery facility.
Targeted for completion in 2030, these housing units will be made available to informal settler families, minimum wage earners, families relocated from high-risk and disaster-prone areas, and other underprivileged Ilonggos.
"This is the very first joint venture in the country that is fully compliant with the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) Code. The prices of these condo units are set by DHSUD, and payment will not go to the city government but directly to Pag-IBIG Fund," said Atty. Peter Jason Millare, head of the Iloilo City Local Housing Office (ICLHO).