Developers laud DHSUD reforms

Leaders of the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) have lauded recent reforms at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and renewed their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The endorsement was expressed during the induction of SHDA’s 2026 officers, board of governors, and advisers, where SHDA National President Kerwin Padua and Chairman Francis Richmond Villegas commended DHSUD under the leadership of Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

SHDA leaders cited reforms implemented over the past six months, crediting Aliling’s inclusive leadership and sustained engagement with stakeholders for policy actions that have delivered positive results across the housing sector.

“We're here to support DHSUD. Again marami tayong nagawang strides actually since our Secretary came in mid-year last year. On behalf of the other agencies also NREA, CREBA, and OSHDP. We’re here to support the agency…maganda ang mga programa, so I hope ituloy lang natin siya…magandang ang panimula ng ating Secretary, we’re here to continue yung mga endeavors ng ating Department of Housing,” Villegas said.

Padua echoed the commendation, noting what he described as positive momentum in the housing industry under the current DHSUD leadership.

SHDA reiterated its commitment to supporting the Expanded 4PH Program, which aims to provide safe, decent, and dignified housing for Filipino families in line with the President’s directive.

In his address, Aliling emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between government and private developers, reaffirming DHSUD’s open-door policy.

“Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., bukas po ang DHSUD upang makinig at makipagtulungan sa pribadong sektor sa pagsusulong ng mas ligtas, disente at abot kayang pabahay para sa mas maunlad at matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” Aliling said.

He acknowledged existing challenges within the Department and stressed DHSUD’s commitment to continuous improvement through reforms, stronger systems, and shared responsibility with stakeholders.

“Tuluy tuloy po DHSUD sa pagsusumikap upang mas mapabuti, mapabilis at malinis natin ang lahat ng proseso at serbisyo sa housing sector,” he added.

SHDA leaders highlighted the group’s role as a key partner as the government advances housing reforms, including the expansion of the 4PH Program to more housing modalities, faster approval processes, clearer price ceilings for socialized housing, and improved digital systems for regulation and project processing.

Aliling reiterated earlier commitments to broaden the reach of the Expanded 4PH Program nationwide. Current housing modalities now include horizontal housing, community mortgage programs, residential proclamations, incremental housing, and other available options.

“Una nating na-commit sa inyo was to expand the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino program 4PH to more modalities. So as you all know, we already did the expansion. Nakasama na dito yung nirequest natin na horizontal, community mortgage program, presidential proclamation, incremental housing, and all other available modalities para masakop yung malawak na range ng mga nangangailangan ng mga tahanan,” Aliling said.

Industry leaders also pointed to policy gains achieved through coordination with DHSUD and partner agencies, including simplified incentives for socialized housing, shorter processing timelines, and the establishment of inter-agency express lanes aimed at reducing project delays.

SHDA reiterated its support for the Department’s digitalization initiatives and reforms geared toward delivering sustained outcomes and dignified homes for Filipino families.