Human Settlements Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling is looking to strengthen coordination between national agencies to help ensure that the country’s most vulnerable — particularly street dwellers and 4Ps beneficiaries — gain access to adequate and dignified housing.

In a recent meeting with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office, Aliling floated the idea of a joint initiative aligning the housing programs of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) with DSWD’s social welfare efforts.

“By working closely with DSWD, we will definitely be able to reach our mandated beneficiaries — the poorest of the poor,” Aliling said.

The proposed partnership aims to integrate DHSUD’s expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program with the DSWD’s database of families enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Aliling said the collaboration would help ensure that housing programs reach those who need them most.

“We want to make sure that we will have sustainable programs for the poorest of the poor. The support we will get from DSWD will definitely boost our efforts toward this,” he said.