DOTr, SHFC Turn Over Homes To Railway-Affected Families In San Pedro
The first batch of 48 families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension Project in San Pedro, Laguna, formally received their new homes at Sining Residences I on March 25. The turnover is part of the Marcos administration’s ongoing efforts to resettle communities impacted by major infrastructure projects.
Implemented by the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the housing project is among several initiatives designed to benefit thousands of families along the railway stretch from Solis, Manila, to Calamba, Laguna.
Ceremony highlights collaboration and commitment
Leading the ceremonial turnover were SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa, DOTr Assistant Secretary Irish Calaguas, Mayor Art Joseph Francis Mercado, and Asec. Hernando Caraig, Jr. representing DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling. The event was also attended by Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Chairperson Michelle Anne Gonzales, Vice Mayor Sheriliz Niña Almoro, and Asian Development Bank representative Mary Ann Botengan.
Located in Barangay Bagong Silang, Sining Residences I consists of 11 buildings, providing 528 housing units. Each 27-square-meter unit features a one-bedroom layout with its own toilet and bath. The development includes a park, playground, and multipurpose center to enhance community life, implemented under the SHFC Resettlement Services Group led by Vice President Bob Flores.
SHFC President Laxa emphasized that the turnover marks the start of a broader vision for community growth. “Hindi po kami titigil hangga’t hindi natin napapaganda at napapaunlad ang inyong komunidad,” he said, acknowledging President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s support in realizing housing initiatives.
Calaguas credited inter-agency collaboration for the project’s success, while Caraig reaffirmed DHSUD’s commitment to expanding access to resilient and affordable housing through the 4PH Program. Gonzales pledged continued livelihood and community development support, and Mayor Mercado and Vice Mayor Almoro expressed gratitude to national agencies for helping uplift local lives.
A fresh start for displaced families
For the beneficiaries, the turnover represents a transformative step from displacement along the railway to stable, secure housing. Homeowners’ association president Dennis Santiago described the new unit as life-changing. “Sa lahat po ng naging bahagi ng proyektong ito mula sa pagpaplano hanggang sa pagsasakatuparan, kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat,” he said, adding thanks to President Marcos.
This turnover is part of SHFC and DOTr’s ongoing resettlement initiatives. Last month, around 80 families from Biñan, Laguna, moved into The Meadow, while another group relocated to Rizalville in Calamba in January 2025.
