Pag-IBIG, BCDA team up for worker housing in New Clark City

The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) has partnered with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to develop affordable housing for Filipino workers close to their workplaces, initially focusing on some 14 hectares of land in Tarlac.

Under a memorandum of agreement (MOA), the BCDA will provide access to government land, while Pag-IBIG will provide financing and housing expertise.

It will initially prioritize some 14 hectares in New Clark City, comprised of a 10-hectare property in Bamban, Tarlac, and a 4-hectare property in Capas, Tarlac set for a government center and other complementary developments.

The housing is envisioned to be an integrated development that combines housing with commercial areas and facilities for rest and recreation.

Pag-IBIG has also identified Camp John Hay in Baguio City, the Morong Discovery Park, and the Poro Point Freeport Zone as possible project areas.

“We see this as a long-term institutional partnership. As our project areas continue to grow, we want to make sure that our properties are put to productive use and that development keeps pace with the needs of the people,” BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang said in an emailed statement.

“This gives us an opportunity to build homes closer to workplaces and make it possible for our members to walk to work, helping them spend less on transportation, avoid long commutes, and enjoy a better balance between work and home,” Pag-IBIG chief executive officer Marilene Acosta said.

Under its charter, the Pag-IBIG Fund is mandated to establish, develop, promote, and integrate a nationwide sound and viable tax-exempt mutual provident savings system suitable to the needs of the employed and other earning groups.

It is also mandated to motivate the public to better plan and provide for their housing needs through membership in the HDMF, with mandatory employer contributions.

The BCDA, meanwhile, is mandated to help strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), while building cities. It also engages in public-private partnerships to boost public infrastructure such as tollways, airports, seaports, and major real estate developments. — BM, GMA News

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