Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the department has begun to show tangible results from its initial reforms — particularly in clearing regulatory backlogs and expanding the government’s flagship housing program.

In a recent address to officials and staff at the DHSUD Central Office, Aliling said the agency is now firmly headed in the right direction.

“We’ve already accomplished the hardest part — setting the department on the right track. Now, DHSUD is moving forward in line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Marcos Jr.,” he said in Filipino.

Among the early accomplishments, Aliling highlighted the processing of all pending regulatory applications in the department’s regional offices. These actions, he said, are putting DHSUD on course to achieve its target of zero backlog.

“Let’s measure how far we’ve come in just the past five weeks since I assumed office. First, on regulatory matters — with the support of our Regional Offices, we’ve started addressing all pending cases. We are on track to hit our zero backlog goal,” Secretary Aliling said.

Expanded 4PH draws private sector confidence

The housing chief also reported progress in recalibrating the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. A major shift under his leadership involves expanding the program beyond vertical housing condominium-type projects to include horizontal or subdivision-style developments.

This strategic pivot has already secured commitments for over 60,000 housing units from private developers.

“The 4PH has been recalibrated and expanded. Everyone we’ve engaged with so far agrees that we have corrected and broadened the program,” the DHSUD chief emphasized.

The expanded 4PH also covers rental and incremental housing, which the department is currently evaluating for formal inclusion under the Marcos administration’s flagship housing initiative.

Aliling said the broader scope now allows the 4PH program to serve a wider range of Filipinos — from working-class earners to those in the lower-income segment that government housing programs are designed to support.

“The President’s flagship program can now truly be called a national housing program for all Filipinos,” he added.

8-Point Agenda, zero corruption stance

Since assuming office on 26 May, Aliling has introduced an 8-Point Agenda for reform, which includes a firm stance against corruption and systemic inefficiencies within the department.

He ended his speech with a call for continued cooperation across the agency, stressing that political will combined with unified action will ensure the department’s long-term success.

“With a little more effort and teamwork, we will reach the day when we can say that if there’s political will, nothing is impossible. I am confident we will win this fight,” Secretary Aliling noted.