Davao city: After 13 years of renting, a blind couple finally owns a permanent home after being among seven families under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who received socialized condominium units on Thursday through the government's flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program at People's Ville, Barangay Riverside, Calinan District here. Epifanio and Lea Rondez, both unable to see, expressed gratitude for finally owning a home of their own.

According to Philippines News Agency, the couple expressed relief and gratitude for the newfound stability and security that comes with homeownership. "We will no longer transfer to various places. Our children will also have stable schooling since schools are nearby," Epifanio said, thanking President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the program. Lea shared that they immediately applied for the housing project with assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao (DSWD-11). "We were always worried about rental payments. This program gave us hope," she said.

Another beneficiary, Edmund Mabini, a vendor and 4Ps member, highlighted the significance of the project for his family of six. "We applied because we were staying with my in-laws. Now, I can provide for the monthly payment and finally own a house," Mabini said. The 4PH Program aims to provide affordable housing with lower monthly amortization costs through subsidies for Filipino workers.

Margo Babao, head of the 4PH program in Davao, reported that around 3,000 units are nearly completed, with a target of 7,200 units across 72 five-story buildings by 2028. The township-style development will feature central parks, schools, commercial areas, basketball courts, and wet markets. Over 300 units are already occupied.

The ceremonial awarding was led by DSWD-11, in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Social Housing Finance Corporation, and Pag-IBIG Fund.