DHSUD, Meralco partner to energize 4PH projects

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program gained further traction after the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) signed an agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to energize its projects. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Meralco executive vice president and chief operations officer Ronnie Aperocho signed on July 17 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on developing power infrastructure to efficiently deliver electric services to 4PH project sites within the company's areas of coverage, according to a press release on Saturday. In his message, Acuzar noted that beyond constructing affordable and quality housing, 4PH seeks to enhance the living conditions of many Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged, by providing decent shelters in sustainable communities, complete with the basic services the residents would need. 'We view our collaboration with Meralco as a significant leap toward our mission. Meralco's comm itment to provide reliable, safe, and efficient electric services to Metro Manila and nearby provinces directly contributes to the betterment of housing communities in major urban areas in the country,' he said. Meanwhile, Meralco committed to fully supporting the ongoing rollout of the 4PH Program in the National Capital Region and nearby areas. It also pledged to educate and inform new homeowners about their rights and obligations as electric consumers. The MOU includes creating a technical working group to deliver timely electrification services to 4PH projects of the DHSUD and implement mechanisms to provide the beneficiaries with a better customer experience. Acuzar said the deal is a big push for the 4PH program to flourish even better and address previous power supply issues in government housing projects. 'Sa Pambansang Pabahay, gusto nating isulong hindi lamang ang pagtatayo ng mga pabahay kundi pati ang pagtataguyod ng township development na may kumpletong pasilidad at serbisyo para sa mga mani nirahan dito (In 4PH, we not only promote housing projects but also township development where homeowners could enjoy complete facilities and services),' he said. "Ang utos ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ay ang pagtatatag ng mauunlad at sustainable township developments para sa Bagong Pilipinas (President Marcos' directive is to establish flourishing and sustainable township developments under the New Philippines)." The MOU signing was witnessed by Social Housing and Finance Corp. President Federico Laxa, National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai, and other DHSUD and Meralco officials. DHSUD is also looking forward to discussing the use of sustainable energy in its housing projects, citing Meralco's expertise and network in the power sector. Source: Philippines News Agency