The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has relaunched and strengthened the presidential proclamation housing program to formally award land titles to long-time informal settler families (ISFs) and improve living conditions in both government- and privately owned communities.

In an interview with DZRH, DHSUD Secretary Engr. Jose Ramon Aliling said the program begins by awarding land titles to qualified families occupying the areas—similar to the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), which covers privately owned land.

“Ang presidential proclamation tsaka CMP halos parehas; inaaward kung saan naka-tirik yung bahay nila. Ang diperensya lang, ang CMP privately owned ang lupa, ang presidential proclamation pagaari ng gobyerno,” Aliling explained.

Once land titles are awarded, the second phase focuses on upgrading community living conditions, including structural improvements and safety measures. “Kasama na rin dyan yung structural retrofitting kasi alam natin kapag lumindol, malamang kung hindi properly engineered yung bahay nila, magiba yan. Maraming masasaktan o mamamatay,” he said.

Aliling confirmed that beneficiaries will finally gain legal ownership of the lots they have occupied for years. “Kapag na-award sa kanila yung titulo kung saan nakatirik yung bahay nila, magiging legal sila. Kanila na yun,” he added.

He dismissed concerns that the program might encourage squatting, stressing that its goal is to uplift lives rather than reward illegal occupation. “Itong programa na ‘to hindi sa ine-encourage sila, gusto natin bigyan ng dignidad ‘yong buhay nila,” Aliling said.

The initial rollout, which began in October, targets around 3,000 families — or about 15,000 individuals — with the first batch expected to be completed by March 2026. For CMP sites, 34 areas nationwide have been identified, benefitting 6,000 families or roughly 30,000 individuals.