362 rental housing units to rise in Jaro; rental fee pegged at P850

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government has launched its first public rental housing project, the Iloilo Residences Rental Housing Project, aimed at addressing the city’s housing backlog.

Located in Barangay Sambag, Jaro, the project will provide 362 affordable rental units.

Launched on Feb. 4, the project will be funded through escrow funds from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), sourced from developers’ mandatory deposits under the Balanced Housing Development Program.

Set for completion in 2027, the project targets families starting out, disaster survivors, and those displaced by demolitions.

The proposed monthly rent is PHP 850, excluding utilities.

Tenants will be allowed to stay for up to five years while they prepare for permanent housing.

DHSUD will oversee the selection of the project contractor.

DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr. said the project is the first of its kind in Iloilo City and aligns with the national goal of providing every Filipino with a safe and decent home.

“This is not just a ceremony. It is the provision of safe, decent, and dignified homes for our people. […] More than concrete, roof, and walls, these homes are foundations for dignified lives, building stronger families and communities,” he said.

Atty. Peter Jason Millare, head of the Iloilo City Local Housing Office, said the project will consist of two seven-story buildings with elevators.

Each unit will have a floor area of 27 square meters.

The development will also feature a multipurpose hall, health center, park, playground, and basketball court to ensure residents have access to essential services and recreational spaces.

“The escrow of the developers is increasing. In Iloilo City, there is almost PHP 200 million. Finally, they allocated to us because of our efforts in the lot acquisition program. Since we acquired lots, we have readily available lands for our housing projects,” Millare said.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the project forms part of the city’s broader housing initiative to reduce its backlog, which stood at more than 22,000 units as of 2025.

“It is worth emphasizing that these housing projects reflect the strong partnerships we have with our national government agencies and the private sector—working hand in hand to deliver real, meaningful benefits to our communities,” she said.