DHSUD eyes more housing units for OFWs

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is entering 2025 with optimism, aiming to deliver more housing units under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

This follows last month’s ceremonial turnover of 4PH units in Palayan City to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the Pamaskong Handog para sa OFWs event in Malacañang.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar expressed confidence that more 4PH units would soon be delivered to beneficiaries, highlighting the completion of several buildings at various project sites.

“We are beginning to see the initial results of the 4PH projects — decent, safe and affordable housing units in condominium-type developments,” Acuzar said.

“In the coming weeks, we expect a steady and continuous turnover of 4PH units to our beneficiaries,” he added.

To date, over 1,000 applications for 4PH are being processed by the Pag-IBIG Fund across at least four project sites, including Palayan City, Bacolod City, and Bocaue in Bulacan.

Pag-IBIG Fund supports 4PH projects in these locations, among others.

Meanwhile, the Social Housing Finance Corporation is nearing completion of two projects: Crystal Peak Estates in San Fernando City, Pampanga, and People’s Ville in Davao City.

Currently, there are 56 4PH projects in various stages of construction and development across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

In addition to the 4PH program, the DHSUD, through its key shelter agencies, continues to implement its regular housing initiatives.

Secretary Acuzar noted that it took two years for the 4PH projects to materialize due to the shift to vertical housing (condominium-type developments) and the delays in meeting documentary requirements by private partners.

Under the 4PH program, DHSUD prioritizes the construction of condominium buildings to maximize the use of government lands for housing.

Acuzar assured that, like commercial condominium projects, all 4PH developments will feature generous open spaces for parks,

“Through 4PH, the benefits once enjoyed only by the wealthy will now be accessible to ordinary Filipinos,” he said.

“That is the directive from President Bongbong Marcos Jr. — to prioritize those who are less fortunate,” Acuzar added.