San pablo city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday presided over the inauguration and turnover of 1,099 new housing units to informal settler families displaced by the construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project in San Pablo City, Laguna.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PHP769-million St. Barts Southville Heights Housing Project was funded through the Department of Transportation’s trust fund and implemented by the National Housing Authority (NHA). The project, which broke ground in late 2023, was completed in June 2025. Each beneficiary family receives a row house unit on a 40.5-square-meter lot, equipped with basic water and power connections.
Speaking before the beneficiaries, President Marcos noted that this initiative symbolizes ‘a new beginning’ for families impacted by government infrastructure projects. He emphasized that housing efforts should not only provide shelter but also aim to build complete communities. 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.
These integrated amenities align with the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, which seeks to deliver dignified housing nationwide. Marcos also highlighted the recent signing of Republic Act 12216 or the NHA Act, extending the agency’s mandate for another 25 years.
President Marcos urged the beneficiaries to take care of their new homes and foster a sense of community. The PNR South Long Haul Project, a 577-kilometer, 33-station rail line from Metro Manila to Bicol, aims to reduce travel time to Legazpi City in Albay and boost economic opportunities in southern Luzon.