Over a thousand residents of San Pablo City, Laguna who had been displaced by the construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project are now assured of a new place they can call home.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and local officials led by San Pablo City Mayor Najie Gapangada recently led the inauguration and turnover of 1,099 new housing units at the St. Barts Southville Heights Housing Project in Barangay San Bartolome last September 15.
The P769-million project, funded through the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) trust fund and implemented by the National Housing Authority (NHA), was completed in June 2025 after breaking ground in late 2023.
It provides each beneficiary family a row house unit on a 40.5-square-meter lot, equipped with basic water and power connections.
In his speech, President Marcos said the program symbolizes “a new beginning” for families affected by government infrastructure projects.
“Kasama ng pagbubukas ng mga pintuan sa bagong tahanan ay ang bagong pag-asa para sa napakaraming pamilya,” he emphasized.
The President also said that housing projects must go beyond shelter and build complete communities.
“Kaya po pagka sinabi natin ‘housing project,’ hindi lang po ibig sabihin ay may bahay. Ibig sabihin isang buong komunidad ang ating binubuo,” he said.
The site includes facilities under construction such as a three-storey elementary school, daycare center, health center, livelihood training center, covered court, wet and dry market, tricycle terminal, and a material recovery facility.
The integrated amenities are aligned with the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, which aims to deliver dignified housing nationwide.
He urged beneficiaries to take care of their new homes and foster solidarity within the community.
“May tahanan na po kayong matatawag ninyong sarili ninyo, pag-aari ninyo. Kaya ang pakiusap ko lang sa inyo: alagaan naman ninyo ang mga tahanang ito at mahalin ninyo ang inyong komunidad.”
The PNR South Long Haul Project, a 577-kilometer, 33-station rail line from Metro Manila to Bicol, is expected to cut travel time to Legazpi City in Albay and boost economic opportunities in southern Luzon.
(With report from PNA)
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