ILOILO City – Thousands more Ilonggo families, including low-income workers, teachers and uniformed personnel, are being targeted for affordable housing as the city government expands its PASILONG program with rental units costing as low as P1,000 to P2,000 a month and rent-to-own options.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the Pabalay sa Pamilyang Ilonggo Housing Program (PASILONG), which has already assisted more than 2,000 households and families in its first year, is being expanded beyond merely providing shelter to help beneficiaries attain financial stability and escape poverty.
“We have to break the cycle of poverty through our housing projects,” Treñas said, stressing that housing should be complemented by livelihood opportunities, scholarships and access to basic services.
Among the projects being pursued are the Uswag Residential Complex and E4PH condominium units in San Isidro, Jaro; Westville Residences in Hibao-an, Mandurriao; and the Iloilo Residences Public Rental Housing Project in Sambag, Jaro.
The Iloilo Residences, being developed with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), will serve as a national government pilot project for public rental housing.
Monthly rent is expected to range from around P1,000 to P2,000 per unit.
Unlike the public rental project, the city’s 4PH condominium units and Uswag Condominium Complex will be offered under a rent-to-own arrangement.
NOT JUST FOR THE POOREST
Treñas said PASILONG prioritizes marginalized families but will also open housing opportunities to working-class Ilonggos who earn enough to support their families yet remain unable to afford their own homes.
“It is also time to give opportunities to our working class — sa mga Ilonggo nga nagapangabudlay para sa ila pamilya pero indi pa makasarang magpatindog sang ila kaugalingon nga balay,” she said.
Teachers and uniformed personnel will also be assured a share of housing units whenever new buildings are turned over.
“Ang akon commitment, kada may ma-turn over, may porsyento para gilayon sa mga maistra kag porsyento para sa aton uniformed personnel,” Treñas said.
She said some units could be paid through affordable monthly amortization over more than 20 years, allowing families who currently spend much of their income on rent to eventually own a home.
Under PASILONG, units at the Uswag Complex are valued at around P800,000, while Westville units cost around P1.5 million. The 4PH units are valued at approximately P1.6 million to P1.8 million, depending on the development and unit.
Applicants will also be able to choose from available housing designs, including Japanese, Scandinavian and contemporary themes.
BREAKING THE POVERTY CYCLE
Treñas said her experience seeing the same families repeatedly suffer during flooding strengthened her resolve to pursue housing as a poverty-reduction strategy.
“Maglibot ako kun magbagyo, ang mga apektado sila man gihapon. Kun ikaw permi gin sudlan sang tubig, bakal ka naman bag-o nga katre kay nabasa na. Wala ka may mapundar. Asta san-o ka sa muna nga sitwasyon?” she said.
“Amo ina nga permi ko ginahambal, let us break the cycle of poverty through our housing projects,” she added.
Beyond constructing homes, the city government is integrating livelihood assistance, community organizing, basic services and land tenure assistance into housing developments.
Open spaces in relocation sites are planned to be developed into talipapa centers and barangay health centers, giving residents access to livelihood opportunities and essential services within their communities.
“Ginalantaw man naton ang pabahay wala naga-untat nga hatagan mo lang balay. Dapat may bulig sa livelihood, may bulig sa pang-adlaw-adlaw, kag kun emerhensiya may kadtuan,” Treñas said.
The city has already identified an area in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district for a livelihood facility and barangay health center.
Treñas thanked the city housing team led by Housing Department Head Peter Millare, DHSUD, Pag-IBIG Fund, homeowners’ associations, teachers and other partners supporting the program.
She also expressed appreciation for DHSUD Regional Director Eva Marfil, who recently returned to Iloilo amid her impending retirement.
“Happy gid siya makita nga very dynamic ang housing program diri,” Treñas said.
Treñas stressed that homeownership is particularly important in providing families with security and stability.
“Bilang isa ka iloy, kabalo gid ako kon ano kaimportante para sa isa ka pamilya ang may ara sila sang ila kaugalingon nga panimalay,” she said. “A home is where our children feel safe, where we rest after a long day, where families create memories, and most importantly, where we have a place we can proudly call our own.”
Treñas also credited Millare for focusing on the design and livability of the housing units.
“Si Atty. Peter indi lang sa housing, nagiging interior designer pa siya para masigurado nga matahom gid ang inyo mga balay,” she said.
For Treñas, PASILONG is ultimately intended to build stronger families and communities.
“To all our PASILONG beneficiaries, this is more than a house. This is a place where your family can grow, where your children can study, dream and build a better future,” she said. “Indi lang balay, kundi seguridad, dignidad, stability kag oportunidad.”
Treñas said the city government would continue expanding PASILONG so more families could eventually say, “Aton ini. Aton ini balay. Aton ini puluy-an.”
“Because when every Ilonggo family has a safe, decent and stable home, we build not only better families, but stronger communities and a stronger, more progressive Iloilo City,” she said./PN
