SHFC celebrates 21 years of building lives and transforming communities

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) marks 21 years of providing safe and affordable housing to both formal and informal sectors in the Philippines. Established through Executive Order No. 272 on 20 January 2004, SHFC has played a key role in addressing the country’s housing needs through innovative and community-driven programs.

Over the years, SHFC has led initiatives such as the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), Abot Kaya Pabahay Fund Program, High Density Housing Program (HDH), and the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. These efforts have aimed to make homeownership accessible to underserved communities.

In 2022, under the leadership of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), SHFC became a key implementer of the 4PH Program, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. The program seeks to bridge the 6.5 million housing gap in the country by ensuring every Filipino family has access to adequate shelter.

SHFC has made significant progress with ongoing projects like People’s Ville in Davao City and Crystal Peak Estates in Pampanga. These developments are part of SHFC’s broader efforts to meet the growing demand for housing. In Davao City, for example, the first 168 Notices of Approval from the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) are ready to be issued to beneficiaries, moving families closer to their new homes.

Additionally, SHFC is managing 12 4PH projects across various regions, including Valley View Township in Misamis Oriental and Port Town in Tondo, Manila. In April 2024, SHFC began construction on multistory housing projects in Quezon City, and groundbreaking ceremonies were also held for developments in Los Baños, Laguna.

“Vertical shelter solutions are a practical approach to address housing backlogs in areas where land availability is limited,” said SHFC president and CEO Federico Laxa. These efforts are designed to combat rapid urbanization and provide sustainable housing solutions.

SHFC has also partnered with local government units (LGUs) to implement 4PH projects, including agreements with Pulilan, Bulacan, and Cagayan de Oro City. These collaborations are crucial, as LGUs have in-depth knowledge of local housing needs, demographics, and geographic challenges.

From January to November 2024, SHFC released approximately P5 billion to finance various housing programs, benefiting more than 3,700 families. The corporation has disbursed over P36.6 billion to support around 3,200 community-driven projects across the country. In November 2024 alone, SHFC turned over 165 housing units to members of the Intramuros Community Homeowners Association, Inc., and awarded 148 Certificates of Award to members of Alpas Phase 1 HOA under the HDH program.

SHFC is also contributing to national development by providing P63.92 million in dividends to the National Treasury, supporting the administration's welfare programs. The corporation has also been involved in disaster relief operations, assisting communities affected by natural calamities.

“Our goal goes beyond providing housing; we aim to create sustainable communities where everyone can thrive and feel empowered,” Laxa said.

Despite challenges in the housing sector, SHFC remains committed to providing affordable homes for Filipino families. With strategic partnerships and innovative programs, SHFC is determined to achieve its overarching goal of ensuring housing for all, building lives, and transforming communities.