ILOILO City — In a bold move to blunt the mounting housing pressure brought by rapid urban growth, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Iloilo City government launched a rental housing project in Barangay Sambag, Jaro district — offering studio-type units at a proposed rent of just P850 a month for qualified beneficiaries.
The seven-story mid-rise development – called the Iloilo Residences Rental Housing Project – is targeted for completion in 2027. It is being positioned as a direct response to the city’s growing demand for affordable, safe, and dignified housing amid Iloilo’s accelerating transformation.
Built on a 13,080-square-meter site, the project will feature two residential buildings with 181 studio-type units each, for a total of 362 units.
Each unit will have a 27-square-meter floor area designed for practical, functional living, while both buildings will be equipped with elevators to ensure accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Funded through the DHSUD Escrow Fund sourced from developers’ contributions under the Balanced Housing Development Program, the project underscores government efforts to channel private-sector investments into socialized housing with transparency and accountability.
Beyond shelter, the Iloilo Residences is envisioned as a community-centered development. Plans include a multi-purpose hall, an on-site health center, parks and children’s playgrounds, and a basketball court aimed at promoting health, social interaction, and neighborhood cohesion.
At the project launch on February 4, Mayor Raisa Treñas highlighted the deeper significance of the initiative.
“Today is not merely about launching a housing project,” she declared. “This is about providing 362 housing units that offer qualified beneficiaries a strong, free, and dignified home for their families,” Treñas said.
She also stressed that partnerships are crucial in addressing the city’s housing backlog.
“These housing projects reflect our strong partnerships with national government agencies and the private sector, working together to deliver real, meaningful benefits to our communities,” she stated.
With construction now underway, the Iloilo Residences is expected to play a key role in easing the city’s urban housing strain — allowing low-income families to redirect limited resources toward education, healthcare, and long-term security as Iloilo continues to grow./PN
