Iloilo City is strengthening its commitment to inclusive urban development with four major housing projects designed to provide decent, accessible, and affordable homes for every sector of society—from the working and middle class to start-up families and vulnerable communities.
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas emphasized that the city’s housing program is anchored on one clear direction and that is to ensure that every Ilonggo, regardless of social or economic status, has access to safe and dignified housing.
“The other day, I called our local housing department head, Atty. Peter (Millare), and I gave one instruction to make sure all our housing projects are inclusive and accessible to all sectors in Iloilo City—for the middle class, the working class, and the less privileged,” Mayor Treñas said during the Concrete Pouring Ceremonies for the Iloilo Residences: Rental Housing Project in Sambag, Jaro and the Uswag Condominium Complex in San Isidro, Jaro. These projects mark another milestone in Iloilo City’s journey toward sustainable and people-centered housing under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH).
The Rental Housing Project in Sambag stands as the first of its kind in Western Visayas — a testament to the city’s commitment to innovative and accessible housing solutions for low-income families or for start-up families looking to establish their first homes. The Rental Housing project will feature two seven-storey residential buildings, which will provide a total of 362 housing units for qualified beneficiaries, once completed.
Meanwhile, the Uswag Condominium Complex in San Isidro is the city’s flagship public-private partnership (PPP) housing initiative with EON Realty Corporation. As the first PPP-approved housing project in the Philippines, it brings to fruition years of planning, collaboration, and dedication among national agencies, the Iloilo City Government, and partner communities to provide safe and dignified homes for Ilonggos. This milestone project will provide 1,677 housing units across 13 ten-story buildings, ensuring modern, sustainable, and affordable homes for Ilonggos.
Mayor Treñas recalled that the project began more than three years ago during the term of former Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and underwent numerous challenges before reaching today’s construction milestone.
“I remember when EON Realty first partnered with the Iloilo City Government. We had several meetings and faced many challenges, but today, we are finally here at the concrete pouring stage,” she said.
The mayor lauded EON Realty for its commitment to deliver the first two buildings within 10 months—surpassing the 11-month commitment earlier cited by the contractor for the first structure.
“This project proves that public-private partnership housing in the Philippines is becoming a reality,” Mayor Treñas said. “May this project rise quickly and safely, and serve as a beacon of hope, dignity, and a brighter tomorrow for the people of Iloilo City.”
She expressed optimism that by next year, Iloilo City will be able to turn over the first completed building to qualified Ilonggo beneficiaries. She acknowledged the support of Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Ramon “Ping” P. Aliling who ensured the realization of said housing projects.
Mayor Treñas highlighted the city’s growing housing portfolio through PASIlong: Pabahay sa Pamilyang Ilonggo Housing Program, each designed to address the specific needs of different sectors. Also underway are Westville Residences, and Rise Batiano Village.
The Westville project, in partnership with Henber Development Corporation, will feature a three-storey apartment-style condominium intended primarily for teachers and government workers.
The city is also developing Rise Batiano Village, which will serve as a relocation site for families from coastal communities and residents displaced by the fire incidents in Molo District in recent years.
“We are making sure our housing projects here in Iloilo City create more opportunities for people who need housing—not only for informal settler families, but also for the working class,” the mayor stressed.
Mayor Treñas also announced that the city is targeting the official launch of all housing projects by June, allowing interested applicants to begin the application process.
“With these projects, we are building more than homes. We are building opportunities, stability, and a better future for every Ilonggo family,” she said. (Iloilo City PIO)
