THE Home Development Mutual Fund, or Pag-IBIG, in partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), signed a memorandum of agreement to build 8,000 housing units under the government's Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) housing program.

Under the agreement, the Pag-IBIG Fund will provide financing to new projects that will include a 372-unit medium-rise condominium in Valenzuela City through the NHA and several condominiums that are medium to high-rise from the SHFC.

Under the SHFC, the condominiums include 3,440 units in San Fernando, Pampanga; 1,200 in Calinan District, Davao City; 2,135 in Tondo; and 425 in Santa Mesa, Manila.

Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta, SHFC President and Chief Executive Officer Federico Laxa, NHA Assistant General Manager Alvin Feliciano, Pag-IBIG Fund Deputy CEOs Alexander Aguilar and Robert John Cosico, along with Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretaries Eduardo Robles Jr. and Avelino Tolentino III, were present during the signing on Thursday at the Pag-IBIG Fund Boardroom in Makati City.

"We are happy to report that the Pag-IBIG Fund, NHA and SHFC continue to forge strong partnerships in support of the 4PH Program's goal of providing quality yet affordable homes, especially to underserved families," Acuzar said.

He said this partnership will address the housing backlog in the country and said it is a "game changer" in the housing sector and an innovative approach to streamline the process of the 4PH. The signing "reflects our collective commitment to address the country's housing backlog. This is not just a project but a promise that we are determined to fulfill for the millions of Filipinos who dream of having a home they can call their own... we honor our workers by helping secure one of their most fundamental needs, a place to call home," Acuzar said.

"This is a proof of solidarity, unity and a strong collaboration with the DHSUD (Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development) and key shelter agencies, that is one of the keys to the success of the 4PH Program," he added in Filipino.

Acosta also voiced the continuous support of the Pag-IBIG Fund for the 4PH program.

"This partnership is a celebration of what we can achieve when agencies work together for a common goal. As Lingkod Pag-IBIG, we remain committed to making housing more accessible and affordable for every Filipino worker," Acosta said.