New DHSUD Secretary Prioritizes Government Housing Programs
Jose Ramon P. Aliling, the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), has ordered a comprehensive review of government housing programs. His goal is to ensure that the country’s poorest families receive priority access to affordable shelter. This directive focuses on aligning efforts under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which targets informal settlers and low-income households.
Aliling emphasized that the 4PH must be truly pro-poor. “More than just inclusive, we must ensure that President Marcos Jr.’s expanded 4PH will be pro-poor,” he said, highlighting the urgent need to support Filipinos without secure homes. To achieve this, he has tasked the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) to redefine their roles to better serve vulnerable communities.
Strengthening Housing Initiatives for Vulnerable Families
The NHA has been instructed to enhance housing assistance for families living in high-risk areas, including those displaced by government infrastructure projects. This also covers families affected by the Manila Bay cleanup mandated by the Supreme Court. At the same time, the SHFC will revive its Community Mortgage Program (CMP) to help low-income communities gain land ownership and establish settlements. This program provides long-term financing options in partnership with local governments and private developers.
Innovative Approaches in the 4PH Program
A seasoned engineer from the construction industry, Secretary Aliling assumed office last week and pledged to broaden the 4PH’s impact. He plans to introduce innovative strategies, such as encouraging greater private sector involvement and offering more flexible financing schemes. These efforts aim to address the country’s housing backlog effectively by creating resilient, livable communities nationwide.
The expanded 4PH Program represents a critical step toward solving the housing crisis. By prioritizing the poorest sectors and realigning government agencies’ roles, Aliling hopes to make sustainable homeownership a reality for many Filipinos.
For more news and updates on government housing programs, visit Filipinokami.com.