The 1Tahanan Partylist, established in 2015 from grassroots advocacy, is driving efforts to institutionalize housing policies and improve social protection for marginalized sectors.
First nominee Attorney Nathaniel Oducado told Brigada News FM-Philippines on Wednesday, January 22, that the group spent nine years voluntarily addressing socio-economic challenges, which deeply rooted their commitment before stepping into politics.
Oducado criticized the Senior Citizen Pension Act for offering a one-time P100,000 incentive only to centenarians.
“We need to provide pensions starting at age 60 when they are most needed,” he said. He cited a 2020 study saying that 38% of SSS members failed to complete their required contributions, leaving many seniors without adequate financial support.
On housing, Oducado stressed the urgency of enacting laws to institutionalize programs like the 4PH (Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program), which he noted is only an executive order dependent on administrative priorities.
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Gov’t backlog
A 2023 United Nations (UN)-Habitat study found that millions of Filipinos lack access to homeownership, with the housing backlog projected to rise from 6.5 million in 2022 to 22 million by 2040.
The study also identified 3.7 million informal settler families (ISFs), half a million of whom live in slums and high-risk areas in Metro Manila. UN-Habitat reported inadequate infrastructure and services, including water, sanitation, transportation, energy, and waste management, as contributing factors to the crisis.
“The government’s target of constructing 6.6 million homes by 2028 is far behind, with only 400,000 houses built so far,” Oducado said.
“Without concrete legislation, the housing crisis will continue to worsen, leaving millions without hope of owning a home,” he added. Oducado emphasized the need for institutionalized housing policies and better recognition of stay-at-home mothers in legislation.
He said that the country needs laws that are sustainable and responsive to real issues, not temporary measures tied to political will.
With nearly a decade of grassroots advocacy, Oducado said that 1Tahanan Partylist will stay focused on creating meaningful reforms to address the country’s growing housing backlog and strengthen social safety nets for Filipinos.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.