At the helm of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), newly appointed Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling has unveiled a robust and comprehensive agenda designed to revitalize the agency and accelerate its mission to provide affordable housing to Filipinos.

Taking over from former Secretary Jerry Acuzar in a formal turnover ceremony on Monday, Aliling didn’t just step into his new role — he hit the ground running by outlining clear priorities that aim to transform the DHSUD into a more efficient, transparent, and people-focused agency.

Aliling reaffirmed the government’s flagship housing initiative, the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH), promising significant enhancements. He highlighted plans to expand the program to include horizontal housing developments — such as townhouses and subdivisions — to complement the vertical condominium projects that dominate urban housing.

Aliling stressed the urgency of finalizing and rolling out the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for 4PH to streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and boost housing production targets nationwide.

Recognizing that red tape often delays housing projects, Aliling plans to overhaul DHSUD’s regulatory framework. He will form a technical working group to bring together key government agencies, local government units, developers, and civil society groups to collaboratively review and simplify rules.

Moreover, he aims to establish one-stop shops across the country to fast-track permit approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for developers and homebuyers alike.

One of Aliling’s more ambitious goals is to fully digitize DHSUD’s operations before the end of President Marcos’ term.

The move toward e-governance is intended to increase transparency, reduce opportunities for corruption, and make services more accessible to Filipinos. Digital platforms will facilitate online application tracking, digital submission of documents, and easier communication between stakeholders, speeding up housing project approvals and inquiries.

Aliling emphasized that DHSUD’s success depends on seamless collaboration with its attached agencies, including the National Housing Authority (NHA), Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Housing Finance Corporation and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation.

He intends to foster regular coordination meetings and joint initiatives to leverage resources, share data, and ensure that housing finance and development programs are aligned for maximum impact.

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) plays a crucial role in settling disputes related to housing and land use.

Aliling urged the HLURB to prioritize the speedy and fair resolution of pending cases, reducing delays that often frustrate developers and homeowners.

By streamlining adjudication processes, he hopes to protect consumers while maintaining a balanced regulatory environment.

Understanding the critical role of developers and private partners, Aliling committed to monthly consultations with industry stakeholders. This open-door policy aims to address concerns quickly, gather feedback on regulatory reforms, and build stronger public-private partnerships that can accelerate housing delivery.

Aliling, a DAILY TRIBUNE columnist currently on leave, put the spotlight on homebuyers and consumers, pledging to establish direct channels for grievances to reach the Office of the Secretary quickly and efficiently.

This mechanism will help resolve issues promptly and transparently. Additionally, he plans to support homeowners associations by helping mediate conflicts and prevent costly, drawn-out legal battles.

Ending his address on a resolute note, Aliling reaffirmed his commitment to integrity and anti-corruption.

“Those who worked with me as undersecretary know where I stand — for zero tolerance,” he said, signaling that any form of graft or malpractice will not be tolerated under his watch. This stance aims to restore public trust and ensure that government resources for housing are used properly and effectively.

Secretary Aliling’s agenda presents a clear roadmap for DHSUD to catch up and even surpass expectations amid rising demand for affordable homes.

With a focus on improved policies, digitization, collaboration, and accountability, Aliling is setting the stage for a department that delivers better, faster, and fairer housing solutions to millions of Filipinos.