PALAYAN CITY (PIA) — Beneficiaries of the Palayan City Township Project under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program in Nueva Ecija expressed appreciation for the government housing initiative, citing improved access to affordable homes and better living conditions.
Christian Paul Mercado of Palayan City said securing a housing unit under the program fulfilled a long-standing goal after years of living with his in-laws.
“Dati po akong nakikisuno nang 13 years sa aking biyenan, kaya nangarap din po ako na magkaroon ng sariling bahay (I had been staying with my in-laws for 13 years, which is why I dreamed of having my own home),” he shared.
Mercado noted that his monthly amortization is significantly more affordable at around P4,000 under a 30-year term, compared to more than P12,000 under a regular housing loan.
He also expressed satisfaction with the quick processing of his application and the early turnover of his unit, noting that it took less than a month before his family was able to move in.
Mercado added that their turnover day also included assistance from the local government, such as rice and grocery packages, which allowed them to immediately stay in the unit.
“Sa ating mahal na Pangulo, si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos po, maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong tulong po sa amin. Ngayon po ay nagkaroon po kami ng sarili po naming bahay (To our dear President, President Bongbong Marcos, thank you very much for your help. We now have our own home),” Mercado said.
Teacher Alexander Punzal Driz of Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, emphasized that the housing program is a major help as he looks forward to retirement.
“Laking pasalamat at nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na maka-avail ng ganitong programa ng gobyerno na malaking tulong dahil kahit papano nagkakaroon kami ng pangsarili talaga namin (We are very grateful to have been given the opportunity to avail ourselves of this government program, which is a big help because we are now able to have something of our own),” he said.
Driz added that the project gives them a sense of belonging in the community and serves as a suitable retirement place for him and his family.
He also praised the township’s facilities, citing its well-planned and well-maintained design.
“Napakaganda at napakaayos, napakagaling ng pasilidades nila (It is very beautiful and well-organized, and their facilities are excellent),” Driz stressed.
He secured a unit after learning about the program through a Pag-IBIG Fund campaign in their school and is now on a 15-year payment term with a monthly amortization of around P9,000.
For newly married Joshua Mangulabnan of Jaen, Nueva Ecija, the housing project became a fresh start for his new family.
He also shared that the application process was fast and convenient, noting that township staff responded within the same day and immediately provided complete details and scheduling for assessment and unit selection.
Aside from this, Mangulabnan cited the multiple payment options available for beneficiaries through Pag-IBIG Fund, banks, e-wallets, and payment outlets, making monthly amortization more convenient.
The township, he added, offers a peaceful and accessible living environment close to key establishments such as markets, schools, and recreational facilities.
The beneficiaries’ experiences reflect the continuing progress of the Palayan City Township Project, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited on Thursday, April 23.
During the visit, the President was accompanied by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, Palayan City Mayor Viandrei Nicole Cuevas, and other government officials as they inspected the township’s completed residential buildings and community facilities, and interacted with some homeowners.
According to DHSUD, the Palayan City Township Project, one of the key developments under the Expanded 4PH Program, spans 23 hectares and features residential buildings, open spaces, and shared facilities.
Several residential buildings in the condominium-type development have been completed, while others are nearing completion, more than three years since its groundbreaking in December 2022 led by Marcos Jr.
Upon completion, the project is expected to provide housing for about 22,596 beneficiaries in 24 residential buildings.
Secretary Aliling described the project’s progress as reflecting the administration’s commitment to provide not only housing units, but also complete and livable communities.
“Hindi lang ito pabahay. Ito ay pagbubuo ng komunidad kung saan may dignidad, seguridad, at pag-asa ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino (This is not just housing. It is the building of a community where every Filipino family has dignity, security, and hope),” he said.
The local government continues to accept and process applications from qualified beneficiaries, including both Palayan City residents and applicants from other areas.
