Multiple Philippine initiatives address affordable housing challenges

UN-Habitat assembly, cryptocurrency solutions, and local collaborations address housing challenges

During the Second Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly (UNHA-2), the Philippine Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Undersecretary Henry L. Yap shared the country’s initiatives for affordable housing. He highlighted the “Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino” program, focusing on housing affordability and access to finance to address the housing deficit and informal settlements. The Philippine Information Agency noted how Yap also announced the upcoming Philippine Urban Forum (PhUF) in October, promoting sustainable urbanisation and community engagement. 

UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif emphasised the transformative power of adequate housing to overcome challenges like climate change and poverty. The session included global panellists discussing housing’s central role in urban planning, finance access, and multilevel governance. Yap reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to inclusive, resilient cities at the UNHA-2 Plenary Session, underlying policy reforms and community engagement. 

The Always With Us (AWU) Foundation has introduced the BLX-backed HOMS token to tackle homelessness in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, as reported by ICT News source Newsbytes.PH. With a mission to provide housing for the underprivileged, AWU launched the token to an audience spanning several countries. 

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Despite the shift towards other causes, homelessness persists as a critical issue, particularly in the Philippines, where 4.5 million are homeless. AWU addresses this by using cutting-edge cryptocurrency technology. The HOMS token’s proceeds will fund the construction of homes for the homeless, starting with a phase of 1,000 homes in the Philippines, each represented by a non-fungible token (NFT). AWU partners with the Philippines’ Coexstar marketplace and the BLX blockchain for this innovative endeavour.

On a more focused front, Ilocos Norte is collaborating with the newly-established DHSUD to construct affordable homes under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s 4PH initiative. According to the Philippine News Agency, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc confirmed the allocation of a government lot near the Provincial Engineering Office for the project. 

This location will also house the Ilocos Norte transportation hub, addressing traffic congestion and improving transportation connectivity. The local government will provide the land, while private contractors will develop housing with Pag-IBIG Fund’s support. The 4PH project aims to build 6 million affordable homes by 2028, benefiting low-wage earners, relocated families, and vulnerable communities. The partnership was formalised through an MOU signed on May 9. DHSUD oversees national housing and urban development efforts.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].