Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the department has started 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,” Aliling said.

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, he said.

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