The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) in partnership with the City Government of Valenzuela, led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, and in coordination with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) held the blessing and turnover ceremony for the second batch of Laon HOAs Federation, Inc. CMP Vertical Housing Project - Phase 1 at Barangay Veinte Reales on November 28, 2024.

This milestone saw the turnover of 336 housing units spread across seven (7) three-story low-rise buildings to the Laon HOA Federation, Inc. The event solidified the City’s commitment to providing secure and livable homes for Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

This turnover follows the successful blessing and turnover of the first batch of Phase 1 units last December 2023, where 192 housing units across four (4) buildings were turned over to the Laon HOA Federation, Inc. Together, these milestones demonstrate the steady progress of the Laon CMP Vertical Housing Project, providing much-needed housing to residents of Barangay Veinte Reales.

The project is part of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), a national initiative aimed at addressing the housing backlog in the country by providing affordable and decent homes to millions of Filipino families. Through this program, Valenzuela City continues to champion inclusive urban development in partnership with the national government.

The ceremony also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and SHFC, highlighting continued collaboration for future housing projects. In addition, a Kasulatan ng mga Restriksyon was signed among the homeowners' associations, signifying their shared responsibility in maintaining the housing community.

The Laon CMP Vertical Housing Project was initiated to address the unsafe and hazardous living conditions in Laon, which had been prone to flooding and fire incidents for years. The City’s Office of the Building Official (OBO) declared the area’s houses as illegal and dangerous structures, prompting the City Government to take decisive action. Through its partnership with SHFC under the Vertical Community Mortgage Program (CMP), Valenzuela City launched the housing project to provide safe and decent homes for affected families.

The entire project spans a six-hectare lot in Barangay Veinte Reales and is planned in three phases. Upon full completion, it will consist of 34 buildings with a total of 1,632 housing units. Phase 1 began construction in May 2022, with SHFC allocating an initial budget of PhP 300 million.

In his message, Mayor WES Gatchalian said “Ang misyon po natin ay makilala hindi lang bilang industrial city kundi pati rin pagiging liveable city. Marami pong factors yan tulad ng education, social welfare at marami pang iba, pero isa sa pinaka importante ay ang mapili ng mga tao para sa kanilang mga anak, apo, at buong pamilya na tirahan. Kaya naman po proud ako na sa aking administrasyon ay na-ground break natin ang Disiplina Village Arkong Bato at ang Progreso Village sa Marulas. Ngayong makakalipat na kayo sa inyong bagong bahay dito sa Laon ay natutupad na ang ating mga pangarap.” [Our mission is to be recognized not only as an industrial city but also as a livable city. This involves various factors such as education, social welfare, and many others, but one of the most important is being the place people choose for their children, grandchildren, and families to live. That’s why I am proud that under my administration, we broke ground on Disiplina Village Arkong Bato and Progreso Village in Marulas. Now that you are moving into your new homes here in Laon, our dreams are finally becoming a reality.]

Also joining this significant event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, SHFC President and CEO Mr. Federico Laxa, SHFC Engr. Elsa Juliana Calimlim, DHSUD Undersecretary Samuel Yang, DPWH Engr. Ruel Umali, Laon HOA Federation President Ms. Erlinda Montaño, Veinte Reales Punong Barangay Jojo San Diego and council, beneficiaries, and other city and barangay officials. 

This initiative underscores Valenzuela City's dedication to inclusive urban development, reflecting its vision of "Bagong Bahay, Bagong Buhay!" It highlights the City Government's unwavering mission to uplift communities and empower every Pamilyang Valenzuelano to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

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