The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office IX clarified that the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program is not a free housing program exclusively for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries but a pro-poor housing initiative that provides qualified low-income families with an opportunity to own affordable housing units through accessible financing.

This clarification was emphasized during the 4PH orientation organized by the 4Ps management today (July 1) at Culianan Covered Court in Zamboanga City.

“The public thinks that this is a Libreng Pabahay for 4Ps families, but it’s not. In fact, the 4PH program is open to all,” 4Ps Regional Program Coordinator, Flordeliza Atuy, clarified in a statement.

The activity forms part of the partnership between the DSWD through the 4Ps, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Pag-IBIG Fund to provide accurate information on the government’s flagship housing program and guide interested beneficiaries on the application process.

A total of 94 participants, composed of 4Ps beneficiaries and DSWD personnel, attended the orientation. The participants came from the barangays of Culianan, Talabaan, Mercedes, Zambowood, and Taluksangay.

Metro Stonerich Vice President for Operations, Engineer Marjorie Prado, presented the 4PH housing project and discussed the features of the housing units and the project location.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Housing Relations Officer Stela T. Sulitana discussed the housing loan packages available under the program. She explained the financing options designed for low-income earners like 4Ps beneficiaries, enabling interested beneficiaries to better understand how they can responsibly acquire a housing unit through affordable monthly payments.

By the end of the orientation, 4Ps Regional Program Coordinator Flordeliza A. Atuy, reminded beneficiaries to carefully assess their financial capacity before committing to any long-term investment, including housing. She encouraged participants to apply the financial management lessons they have learned through the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS) in making informed decisions that will benefit their families.

Atuy likewise reiterated the program’s continuing advocacy of keeping children in school, maintaining vegetable gardens for staple food production, and actively participating in community activities as part of the holistic development of 4Ps households.

The orientation underscores the commitment of DSWD-4Ps and its partner agencies to empower beneficiaries with accurate information which is one of the strategies of the  Department in stirring the beneficiaries towards self-sufficiency.

The DSWD and the Pag-IBIG also warned the beneficiaries against scams and unscrupulous selling of properties that is proliferating online, including fake news especially on government programs. For legit transactions, trust only verified sources of information such as the Pag-IBIG portal and the DSWD website.