The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are eyeing township developments composed of 500,000 housing units inside the sprawling New Clark City in Tarlac.

This, after DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana, and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua Bingcang on July 10 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the two agencies’ partnership under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH Program).

During exploratory discussion on the initial plans of BCDA for its inclusive housing and residential facilities, Secretary Acuzar cited the huge potential of New Clark City in terms of township developments under 4PH that could unlock a wide range of economic opportunities.

“This could be the answer to decongestion of surrounding highly-urbanized areas, and also tapping the full economic potential of New Clark City by putting up residential structures, hence, the populace,” DHSUD Secretary Acuzar stressed, citing the vast lands within New Clark City.

“There are already government facilities here, we only need to bring in population to spur economic activities. And by putting up decent yet affordable and sustainable housing units, surely, we will attract home buyers,” the Secretary added.

New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, green and resilient metropolis, masterfully laid out and highly connected with mixed-use developments and an integrated transport system. This 9,450-hectare greenfield development is being positioned as a world-class city that focuses on liveability and sustainability, and is expected to catalyze economic growth in Central Luzon.

“A city built from scratch, New Clark City is being developed with the needs of the people at the forefront of our masterplan. We believe that New Clark City is one of the ideal sites for the Marcos administration’s housing program, having the potential to play a key role in addressing the housing shortage in the country,” BCDA Chairman Lorenzana said.

The DHSUD chief proposed the construction of 500,000 housing units inside New Clark City. Both Chairman Lorenzana and PCEO Bingcang welcomed the idea. Follow-up meetings are set in the coming days between top DHSUD and BCDA officials to explore the plan.

“Once fully developed, we expect New Clark City to be home to roughly 1.2 million Filipinos. With the DHSUD as our partner, the BCDA is confident that we will be able to provide future residents with integrated, people-centered, and sustainable mixed-use developments where they can live comfortably,” PCEO Bingcang said.

Meanwhile, Secretary Acuzar branded the MOU with BCDA as the two agencies’ “joint answer to the call of President Marcos Jr. to assist Filipino families who continue to dream of having a house of their own.”

“With this MOU, the DHSUD and BCDA pool together our resources and expertise in promoting the flagship 4PH Program and help our kababayans,” he said.

The proposed housing sites will benefit residents and workers in Clark, regardless of age, background, and income. It will also provide housing facilities to families affected by government projects in New Clark City, as well as government employees and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Secretary Acuzar thanked the BCDA for its support to the “Pambansang Pabahay” as he reassured BCDA officials of DHSUD’s all-out commitment in the rollout and eventual completion of the housing projects in New Clark City.