The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) marked its sixth anniversary on Friday, underscoring its role in providing affordable housing and urban development initiatives for Filipinos. The event highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program as the administration’s flagship housing initiative.

With the theme “Six Years of Empowering Lives: Building Homes, Building Futures for Every Filipino Family,” the celebration reaffirmed DHSUD’s commitment to ensuring access to safe, decent, and affordable homes.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who attended as the guest of honor, emphasized DHSUD’s vital role in Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-nation approach to addressing housing concerns.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar highlighted the transformative impact of the 4PH program, describing it as a lifeline for families seeking stability.

“More than shelters, this is about empowerment. When we give a home to a family, we give them stability and dignity. May lugar na kung saan ligtas na mangangarap ang kanilang mga anak at may matibay na pundasyon na ang kanilang kinabukasan (They have a place where their children are safe to dream and where there futures are built on a strong foundation)," he said.

Acuzar also noted the progress in housing projects, revealing that unit turnovers have already begun in Palayan and Bacolod, with more developments in the pipeline.

“Nagsimula na ang turnover natin ng housing units sa mga 4PH projects sa Palayan at Bacolod. Tuloy-tuloy na po ito sa mga susunod pang mga araw... habang tuluy-tuloy din ang construction at development ng iba pang 4PH projects all over the country,” he said.

(We've begun turning over housing units from 4PH projects in Palayan and Bacolod. We're continuing this in the coming days, while we continue the construction and development of 4PH projects all over the country.)

Beyond housing, DHSUD remains active in urban renewal and disaster resilience efforts. Ongoing projects include the Pasig River Esplanade through the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project, as well as the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP), which continues to aid families affected by calamities.

Reflecting on DHSUD’s achievements, Acuzar stressed that the agency’s impact goes beyond statistics: “Beyond the numbers, what truly matters are the lives we have touched. Every home we build is a story of hope. Every community we develop is a promise of a better tomorrow.”

He also recognized the dedication of DHSUD officials and employees, urging them to stay committed to President Marcos Jr.’s vision for a progressive and inclusive nation.

“Lahat po ng ito ay nakamit natin dahil sa dedikasyon at pagsusumikap ng bawat isa sa atin. Kaya naman, sa lahat ng DHSUD officials at employees, tanggapin po ninyo ang aking lubos na pasasalamat! Panawagan ko na patuloy tayong magdoble-kayod sa pagsusulong sa adhikain ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. para sa mas maunlad at mas matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,”

(We've achieved this through dedication and hard work. That's why all DHSUD officials and employees should accept my deepest thanks! I call on you to double your efforts towards furthering the advocacy of our beloved President Bongbong Marcos Jr. for a more developed and resilient Bagong Pilipinas.)

Founded on 14 February 2019, DHSUD celebrated its milestone with a thanksgiving mass, ceremonial MOA signings, a manual launch, and recognition ceremonies honoring key contributors in the housing sector.