As the Community Mortgage Program turns 37, SHFC — under the guidance of president and Chief Executive Officer Federico Laxa — ushers in four new ECMP projects, each one holds a promise of hope, equity and shared progress. This year’s theme, “Kaagapay ng Komunidad: Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon (Helping the Community: From the Past to the Present),” is more than a slogan — it is a legacy.

The ECMP stands as SHFC’s heartfelt answer to the national call for inclusive housing, echoing the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling through the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. Because building homes means building futures.

“The swift approval of these projects are a fitting start to our celebration,” said Laxa. It reflects our strengthened commitment to accelerate pro-poor housing delivery and empower organized communities nationwide. This is only the beginning — more ECMP projects will be rolled out in the coming months.”

The newly approved ECMP projects — Centennial Sunrise HOA in Pasig City, Wawang Pulo HOA Phase 1 in Valenzuela City, and Pinag-isang Magkakapitbahay ng Miranda Compound HOA Phases 1 and 2 in San Fernando City, Pampanga — are set to benefit over 800 low-income families.

Through ECMP’s streamlined and people-centered approach, these communities will gain secure land tenure and access to safe, affordable housing. Beneficiaries span both informal and formal sectors, including street vendors, construction workers, online sellers, delivery riders, call center agents, factory workers, nurses and public school teachers — reflecting SHFC’s commitment to inclusive housing for all walks of life; providing inclusive housing solutions for all.

Laxa, who personally visited the community in Pasig recently, is also set to visit the three other newly approved projects to check on the welfare of member-beneficiaries and explore additional ways to improve their quality of life.

Since 1988, the Community Mortgage Program has been leading a quiet revolution — giving low-income communities the power to organize, borrow and build. Today, the Enhanced CMP carries that legacy forward, refining the process to reach those most in need and accelerating the path to dignified housing.

To honor 37 years of community empowerment, SHFC will launch a month-long celebration this August: awarding land titles, hosting capacity-building sessions, forging new partnerships, planting trees and painting murals that tell stories of hope.

From its Makati headquarters, SHFC continues its mission as an attached agency of DHSUD, under the leadership of Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling — proving that when communities lead, transformation follows.