DHSUD sets fairer housing rates

Driven by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a more inclusive and sustainable housing system, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is stepping up efforts to update government housing policies to better reflect the needs of Filipino families.

On Thursday, DHSUD Assistant Secretary Frank Lloyd Gonzaga — on behalf of Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling — led a meeting with the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Price Ceiling Adjustment for Socialized Housing Developments. The focus: reviewing and recalibrating pricing policies for socialized housing projects across the country.

“This isn’t just about number — it’s about equity,” said Secretary Aliling. “We must ensure that no Filipino is left behind as we push forward with President Marcos’ vision of a more progressive Bagong Pilipinas through the expanded 4PH.”

The Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program now includes not only vertical housing but also horizontal or subdivision-style developments to better serve different sectors.

The discussions are also aligned with Aliling’s 8-Point Agenda, which emphasizes housing policies in support of the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The TWG includes DHSUD officials and key players from the private sector, including the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA), National Real Estate Association (NREA), Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations (CREBA), and the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP).

The group aims to submit its final recommendations by October 2025 for revising Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2023-003, which governs price ceilings for socialized subdivision and condominium projects.

Previously, Secretary Aliling also met with NGO leaders and private sector groups to gather input on how to further improve and expand the 4PH program.

“The President’s directive is clear — government housing must cater to everyone, from the working class to the poorest of the poor,” Aliling said. “We are working to make 4PH more inclusive and sustainable.”