The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman may soon become the first test site for a new rental housing initiative under the government’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) expanded program, as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) explores new housing models beyond traditional ownership.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and UP president Angelo Jimenez, along with officials from both institutions, met Thursday evening in UP Diliman to discuss operationalizing a rental housing scheme specifically for UP constituents — marking a shift in the 4PH program’s approach to housing delivery.

This initiative builds on a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DHSUD and UP, but with a renewed emphasis on rental housing as a viable, scalable solution.

Secretary Aliling committed government backing for the project’s implementation.

“We will provide the necessary technical assistance to ensure the success of this collaboration. Once approved, DHSUD stands committed to fund the land development portion for the pilot project,” Aliling said.

The proposed project also has the support of the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), whose CEO Marilene Acosta joined the dialogue with other key agency leaders.

Since taking office, Aliling has directed DHSUD to broaden the scope of 4PH, expanding beyond its initial focus on vertical, condominium-type housing. 

The recalibrated version of the program now includes horizontal developments and rental housing options — a departure from the ownership-centric model that dominated previous efforts.

DHSUD officials have been tasked with coordinating closely with UP to ensure the smooth rollout of the rental housing pilot.

If successful, the UP Diliman project could serve as a model for similar schemes across other state universities and urban areas.