Iloilo city: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the city government marked the groundbreaking of the Iloilo Residences rental housing project on Wednesday afternoon. The project, which is to be financed from escrow funds derived from real estate developers' mandatory deposits, will be situated on city-owned land in Barangay Sambag, Jaro District.

According to Philippines News Agency, the groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key officials including DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., National Housing Authority Regional Manager Rizalino Cabahug, Mayor Raisa Tre±as, Councilor Mandrie Malabor, and Iloilo City Local Housing Office head Peter Millare. Undersecretary Robles highlighted that the initiative is a step towards providing safe and dignified housing for Ilonggos. He emphasized the intent of the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino or Expanded 4PH Program, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Aliling, to give every Filipino family a home they can call their own.

Mayor Raisa Tre±as expressed that the housing project is a testament to the strong partnerships between national government agencies and the private sector, aimed at delivering tangible benefits to communities. She acknowledged DHSUD for funding the project through escrow funds, which stem from real estate developers' mandatory deposits under the Balanced Housing Development Program. These funds are allocated to implement socialized housing projects that directly benefit communities.

The Iloilo Residences project will feature two seven-story residential buildings, each comprising 181 residential units, totaling 362 housing units upon completion. Each unit will have a floor area of 27 square meters, providing practical living spaces. The buildings will also include elevators to enhance accessibility for residents. The project is anticipated to open in 2027, with a proposed rental rate of PHP850 per month.