‘CamSur housing projects to boost Bicol’s economic growth’

MANILA, Philippines — The recently inaugurated housing projects in Camarines Sur under the government’s Pambansang Pabahay program are expected to trigger economic activities and create more jobs in Bicol, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said aside from decent and affordable housing, the program would increase trade and economic activities as well as direct and indirect jobs for the residents.

President Marcos and Acuzar along with local officials led the groundbreaking for two housing projects last Friday.

The projects will be implemented by the city and provincial governments of Naga and Camarines Sur under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.

The provincial government’s housing project aims to construct 12,960 units along the Panganiban Drive, a major road in Naga City.

Naga City’s Legacy Residences Development Project initially plans to build 1,200 units at a 1.2-hectare property in Barangay Balatas.

The DHSUD earlier projected the economic pump-priming potentials of the 4PH Program to 80 allied industries.

It said among the top industries that could benefit once the program is fully implemented are the steel and metal manufacturing sector as well as the cement, veneer and plywood makers.

The DHSUD estimated that around 1.7 million jobs per year could be generated under the six-year mass housing program.

Based on its study, the DHSUD said at least eight workers are needed in the construction of a housing unit within a certain period.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte agreed with Acuzar that the housing projects would not only provide homes to residents, but also spur economic activities and growth in the entire Bicol region.