The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s (DHSUD) newly appointed housing czar, Jose Ramon Aliling, laid out eight key priorities for the agency in a statement issued Monday.

He began by expressing the personal importance of his return to DHSUD, saying he wants “to hit the ground running.”

Aliling’s first priority is the continuation and enhancement of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). He noted that the program’s improved version will introduce new approaches. “We will prioritize the preparation of the 4PH Guidelines for Horizontal Developments. In doing this, we can expect 4PH numbers to improve significantly,” he said.

Second on the list is the prompt release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for horizontal housing developments.

Third, Aliling aims to bolster the agency’s regulatory functions through a Technical Working Group composed of private sector stakeholders. The group will explore setting up one-stop shops across the country to streamline permitting processes.

His fourth priority is pushing the DHSUD’s digital transformation. “DHSUD will be fully digitalized bago matapos ang termino ni PBBM,” he said.

Fifth, Aliling stressed improved coordination with key housing agencies including the National Housing Authority (NHA), Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC), and the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC).

The sixth priority focuses on institutionalizing monthly dialogues with private developers to fast-track housing production and resolve sectoral issues.

Seventh, the department will ensure greater consumer protection for property buyers. Aliling said a mechanism is being created to elevate complaints directly to the DHSUD secretary’s office. Support for homeowners’ associations will also be increased to prevent legal conflicts and improve community welfare.

Finally, Aliling underscored the agency’s commitment to integrity. “Zero tolerance po tayo sa corruption. Doon naman po sa mga nagsasabing wala nang pag-asa ang DHSUD, hindi pa tapos ang laban. May second half pa po. Hahabol pa ang DHSUD,” he said.