Los ba±os: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) along with the University of the Philippines (UP) inaugurated the UP-Los Ba±os (UPLB) 4PH Rental Housing Project in Barangay Paciano Rizal, Bay, Laguna with a concrete pouring ceremony. This event marks the beginning of full-scale construction for the facility.

According to Philippines News Agency, the event was led by DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., UP President Angelo Jimenez, and UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr. The project is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program and stands as one of its pilot rental housing initiatives. The initiative concludes a 45-year wait for government housing at UPLB, with the last project constructed during the administration of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

Initially, the project will offer 320 housing units to qualified beneficiaries, including low-income UPLB employees, students, and informal settler families from nearby communities. Secretary Aliling emphasized the program's goal to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing. He stated that the concrete pouring is a significant step towards improving the lives of the beneficiaries. Aliling also expressed the agency's dedication to supporting housing projects across UP campuses through policy reforms and expanded program schemes.

UP officials applauded the rapid transition from site development to vertical construction, highlighting that similar housing projects will be pursued for UP's lowest-paid employees as a "proof of concept." UP President Jimenez noted the swift progress, stating that the project has moved rapidly from discussions in December to groundbreaking in March, and now to concrete pouring. Chancellor Camacho also praised the project's expedited implementation, echoing Jimenez's sentiments.