The country’s largest private developer groups are throwing their full support behind the national government’s housing efforts as they welcomed the appointment of Jose Ramon P. Aliling as the new secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

In a dialogue with developers on Friday, Aliling emphasized the importance of strengthening public-private collaboration to realize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ambitious housing program for the Filipino people.

"Let's not waste this opportunity. One last push. We still have enough time. Tiyaga lang po, maa-achieve natin ito," Aliling said, sharing that his appointment came with clear marching orders from the President.

The dialogue gathered key leaders from the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association Inc. (SHDA), Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations (CREBA), Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP), and the National Real Estate Association (NREA), with discussions focused on critical industry concerns. These included balanced housing compliance, socialized housing price ceilings, new housing modalities, and regulatory streamlining.

For Aliling, these discussions marked a crucial step toward revitalizing the country’s housing industry, especially for the benefit of informal settlers and low-income families.

Private developers came ready not just with feedback but with solid commitments.

"We still have 3 years to basically revitalize the industry. So I hope, this is an indication that we are supporting you," said Francis Richmond Villegas of SHDA, underscoring the group’s readiness to accelerate their contributions.

CREBA’s Demetrio Posadas echoed this commitment, commending Aliling’s leadership. "DHSUD is in good hands…. you have a great grasp of what is happening in the industry... We really appreciate your prompt action...we will definitely support your administration, so that you could achieve a home for every Filipino," he said.

OSHDP’s Atty. Christopher Ryan Tan also assured Aliling of their dedication to the housing agenda. “Ang aming maisusukli, to produce... to produce and to produce, Sir. Kahit wala pa po yang policy na yan nagpaplano na po kami... Sir, umasa po kayo na kami po, hindi na rin po namin kayo bibigyan ng problema mag-isip... Asahan niyo po kami," Tan said.

For her part, NREA’s Imelda Magtoto stressed the need for innovative approaches to housing delivery. "It's impossible to get that target with just using one modality. I suggested then the horizontal housing, the rental housing... I recommended incremental housing. Possibly, you can also study the feasibility of the modality, Congratulations Secretary Aliling, NREA is in full support in you," she said.

Responding to the recommendations, Aliling affirmed that the DHSUD is already integrating flexible and inclusive approaches in its programs.

"We are committed to fulfilling the President's marching orders, to work hand-in-hand with the private sector, and most of all to serve every Filipino family who dreams of a dignified home. This is not just about building houses; this is about building dignified lives, building hope, and building a future where no one is left behind," Aliling said.