Secretary Aliling rejoins DHSUD to ‘give back’

Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling’s return to government to head anew the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is, in his words, a way for him and his family to give back to the nation.

During a recent hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA), Secretary Aliling became visibly emotional when asked why he returned to public service after stepping down from DHSUD in 2023.

“First of all, this is not just my contribution — it’s my family’s contribution as well. We want to give back,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English, his voice cracking, in response to a question by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johny Pimentel.

A successful civil engineer, Secretary Aliling was reappointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and confirmed by the CA last Wednesday.

“Secondly, I came from DHSUD. I saw what could be done to elevate the program. So, I am confident that with my return to DHSUD — as long as I have the support of my colleagues in the department — we can accomplish something,” he added.

The Aliling family — particularly his parents Tito and Evelyn — is known for philanthropic efforts, especially in supporting underprivileged youth.

Aliling previously served as DHSUD undersecretary beginning September 2022 before resigning a year later. He explained that his decision to step down stemmed from frustration over the lack of tangible results despite his personal sacrifices.

“First and foremost, I joined the government to help. I had no other agenda. It just reached a point where I saw that the sacrifices I was making weren’t translating into output. I have no regrets about that,” he told the CA.

“Secondly, it has been my priority to give time to my parents… that was one of the things I had to sacrifice when I entered government service. Again, my only intention in joining the government — then and now — is to help. So if I can’t be of help, then the sacrifice isn’t just physical; it also affects my time with family and quality of life. I’d rather go back to the private sector,” he added.

Now back at the helm of DHSUD, Secretary Aliling has committed to advancing a more inclusive national housing program, with a sharper focus on serving low-income and marginalized Filipinos — as directed by President Marcos Jr.

He pledged to prioritize dignified living conditions and ensure the department reaches a broader range of beneficiaries.