Victorias City in Negros Occidental has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to roll out the rental housing modality under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

In a report on Friday, the DHSUD said Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III signed the MOA in a ceremony held at the agency’s central office on Thursday.

“The DHSUD affirms its full support for the local government unit. We will extend the needed assistance to expedite the project and ensure its successful implementation for the benefit of the underprivileged families,” Aliling said in a statement.

Both officials signed the agreement in the presence of DHSUD Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr. and Victorias City Councilor Juvy Pepello.

The DHSUD said the collaboration underscores the city government’s commitment to providing accessible, safe, and affordable housing options, especially for low-income and vulnerable families who stand to benefit from the Expanded 4PH.

“(This will) advance the city’s housing initiatives under the Expanded 4PH Program, particularly the rollout of the rental housing modality in Victorias City,” it added.

In July, Bantug and Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez initially met with Aliling to discuss strengthened collaboration and align Victorias City’s housing efforts with national priorities under the 4PH initiative.

Before Benitez stepped down as mayor in June, Victorias City launched the development of the 2.5-hectare Sidlak Residential Complex, the city’s first vertical housing project under the 4PH Program. (PNA)