Calamba mayor cautions against potential 4PH housing scams

By: John Genesis A. Damgo

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The city government cautioned the public to be wary against potential scams related to the Residenza Rizal Housing Project under the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program.

In an interview with the media, Mayor Roseller Rizal bared reports of scammers posing as government officials, preying on unsuspecting people who would want to avail of the government’s affordable housing initiative.

"The Residenza Rizal Housing Project aims to meet the growing housing needs of Calambeño families," Rizal said while explaining that the project is intended to allow locals to purchase homes without imposing too much financial burden.

As precautionary measure, the mayor asked the public to process all their transactions for government housing applications in Calamba City through the city hall's Housing and Settlements Department, adding they don’t maintain online transactions or third-party facilitators.

Highlighting a key benefit of the project, Rizal noted that those seeking to purchase housing units get a 5 percent interest subsidy from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

The mayor assured that the processing of housing applications is free and no advance payments are required.

"Payment for the housing project begins once the beneficiary is awarded and inhabiting the unit," Rizal explained.

The Residenza Rizal Housing Project comprises four 12-story buildings with 1,144 units, each measuring 24 to 27 square meters.

The estimated cost per unit is PHP1.8 million, payable over 30 years through the Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund.

Beneficiaries could opt for graduated amortization, starting at approximately PHP3,608 per month plus insurance and other fees, with yearly increments.

Alternatively, they can choose level amortization payment at around PHP5,998 per month plus insurance and other fees, fixed for the entire 30-year period, Rizal explained.

As of the 2020 census, Calamba City is home to 539,671 people, making it the largest city in Laguna province.