In a significant move to address the growing housing demand in Valenzuela City, the City Government of Valenzuela headed by Mayor WES Gatchalian led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase 1 of Progreso Village, a major housing project under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) in Tampoy, Barangay Marulas, October 21, 2024.

This flagship initiative, declared under Executive Order No. 34, is a collaboration led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), National Housing Authority (NHA), Pag-IBIG Fund, and the city government, aiming to provide dignified and affordable housing for Telecommunications Office (TELOF) residents.    

Located in Barangay Marulas, the project spans a 20,008-square-meter property historically designated under government ownership. This land, previously utilized by the TELOF, has undergone several challenges, including fire incidents on February 19, 2013, May 12, 2015, and June 6, 2019. Originally reserved for radio station purposes through Presidential Proclamation No. 451 in 1953. In 1996, through Presidential Proclamation No. 770, the property was opened for disposition for the officials, employees, and bonafide occupants of TELOF.

Phase 1 of this development will consist of two (2) eleven–storey buildings, providing a total of 340 units, each measuring 27.50 square meters. Upon full completion, the entire project will feature nine (9) buildings with a combined total of 1,530 units. The site will offer a range of amenities, including a central park, parking facilities, streetlights, a sewerage treatment plant, guard houses, and concrete perimeter fencing, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for residents.

In his message, Mayor WES expressed his excitement for the project, “Ang araw na ito ay makasaysayan hindi lamang para dito sa TELOF, kundi para sa buong lungsod, dahil for 28 years, ngayon natin masasabi na tuloy na ang proyektong ito. Tatlong sunog po ang pinagdaanan nito kaya naman ang araw na ito ay simbolo ng katuparan ng ating mga pangarap. Maswerte po tayo dahil ang Marulas ay isa sa mga napiling lokasyon ng 4PH, kaya naman tatawagin natin itong Progreso Village, dahil ang bagong bahay ay simbolo ng ating progreso sa buhay.” [This day is historic not only for TELOF but for the entire city, because after 28 years, we can now say that this project is finally moving forward. It has endured three fires, making today a symbol of the fulfillment of our dreams. We are fortunate that Marulas was chosen as one of the 4PH locations, so we will call this Progreso Village, because we believe that new homes represent our progress in life.] he said.

Delivering the message of DHSUD Secretary Rizalino Acuzar, Undersecretary Garry De Guzman said, “Ang groundbreaking na ito ay isang patunay na tuloy-tuloy ang proyektong pabahay ni Pangulong Marcos sa ilalim ng 4PH, mayroon na po tayong 53 ongoing housing projects sa buong bansa. Ito ay mga pabahay na maaaring ipagmalaki ng ating mga benepisyaryo. Bilang dating kawani ng NHA, ako ay saksi sa mga proyektong pabahay na naudlot noon, na ngayon ay hindi lamang itutuloy kundi mas pagagandahin pa para sa bawat Pilipino. Kaya ay samahan niyo ang DHSUD, NHA, at lahat ng stakeholders para sa pagtatatag ng mas matatag na Bagong Pilipinas!” [This groundbreaking is proof that President Marcos' housing project under 4PH continues to move forward, with 53 ongoing housing projects across the country. These are homes our beneficiaries can be proud of. As a former NHA official, I have witnessed housing projects that were halted in the past, which we will not only continue but also improve for every Filipino. So, let us support DHSUD, NHA, and all stakeholders in building a stronger Bagong Pilipinas!] he said, affirming DHSUD’s role in the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program.

Joining Mayor WES and NHA General Manager Tai were DHSUD Undersecretary Garry De Guzman representing Secretary Rizalino Acuzar, Mr. Rovin Feliciano representing Undersecretary Alvin Feliciano, NHA Regional Manager Jovita Panopio, Pag-IBIG Fund Department Manager Jacqueline Constantino, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Councilors Niña Lopez and Sel Sabino-Sy, and other city and barangay officials.

With the 4PH program targeting a nationwide housing backlog of 6.5 million units, DHSUD, NHA, and the Valenzuela City Government are working together to transform idle government lands into viable housing developments. This initiative not only aims to provide affordable housing but also contributes to urban renewal and economic growth across the country.

The City Government of Valenzuela, in partnership with DHSUD and NHA, remains committed to ensuring the success of this transformative project, supporting President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s vision for accessible, dignified housing for all Filipinos.

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