Pag-IBIG, MMSU discuss proposed student housing project
By Bea Angelina Duldulao
Officials of the Pag-IBIG Fund and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) met at FEM Hall on February 5 to review the proposed student housing initiative under the Rental Housing Construction Loan (RHCL) program.
First introduced during the administration of former MMSU President and now Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, the meeting revisited the housing layout, including land measurements, floor plans, and cost computations, as part of the project’s technical and financial review.
The Pag-IBIG delegation, led by Ms. Jacqueline Constantino, Department Manager for Institutional Housing, presented the revised RHCL memorandum circular. Discussions focused on the updated policy framework, operational requirements, interest rates, implementation timelines, and coordination mechanisms, supported by a comparative matrix outlining revisions from earlier guidelines. These refinements were made to better align institutional housing needs with the university’s operational planning and financial allocations.
Concerns related to overall project cost and budgetary implications were raised and addressed during the meeting. Pag-IBIG representatives clarified possible financing strategies and mitigating measures to ensure project viability while maintaining affordability.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., recognizes the role of accessible housing in supporting student well-being and academic productivity. He also initiated consultations with concerned university units and considered financing options with Pag-IBIG to make the project feasible.
Meanwhile, Dr. Manzano also invited PAG-IBIG officials for a site visit to the university’s recently established housing.
Both parties identified next steps, including the endorsement of the proposal to the Board of Regents for further evaluation and the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for institutional review.
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