Iloilo city: The city government officially launched its Pabalay sa Pamilyang Ilonggo (Pasilong) program, a holistic approach providing decent housing with socio-economic support to Ilonggos.
According to Philippines News Agency, in its first year, Pasilong has already assisted more than 2,000 Ilonggo households and families. The program is currently implementing major housing projects, including the Batiano Village with 173 units in Barangays West Habog Habog and San Juan, Molo, prioritizing fire victims and families from danger zones. Other projects include Westville Residences with 86 homes in Barangay Hibao-an, Mandurriao; Iloilo Residences with over 360 vertical units in Sambag, Jaro; and the Uswag Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) condominium complex, which will deliver approximately 1,677 units. Additionally, the 240-unit Uswag Residential Complex targets teachers and uniformed personnel, all situated in Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district.
Mayor Raisa Tre±as highlighted that the Iloilo Residences, in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, serves as a pilot for the national government's rental housing project. Currently, both the Uswag Residential Complex and the 4PH condominium units are available as rent-to-own options. The program aims not only to provide for the marginalized but also to offer opportunities to the working class.
Lawyer Peter Jason Millare, head of the Iloilo City Local Housing Office, explained that the program is anchored on a participatory approach, focusing on people empowerment while providing adequate and affordable housing options with accessible public facilities for more livable and resilient communities. To ensure relocatees are not left jobless, the city government has allocated PHP5.8 million for livelihood packages for homeowners associations.
Pasilong strengthens communities through livelihood support, community organizing, access to basic services, and assistance in securing land tenure. Scholarship programs are also available to homeowners associations. In anticipation of growing communities, the city government is currently banking nearly 30,000 square meters of additional land to develop over 2,000 vertical and low-cost housing units.
DHSUD Regional Director for Western Visayas Eva Marfil praised the program, stating that Pasilong, which means to take shelter in Hiligaynon, is more than just a shelter. The program's integration of livelihood and other related services creates safe, resilient, economically productive, empowered, and sustainable communities. She affirmed that DHSUD will continue to support local governments like Iloilo City in their efforts to uplift the lives of Ilonggos.
The formal launch was marked by the unveiling of a mock housing unit under the program.
