Expanded 4PH widens housing push

Housing remains a central pillar of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, with the government expanding its flagship 4PH program to deliver broader and more inclusive housing solutions nationwide.

Under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Expanded 4PH Program in 2025 moved beyond its earlier focus on vertical housing projects and adopted a more comprehensive framework. The expanded approach now includes horizontal developments, rental and incremental housing, land tenure security, and high-density housing solutions for urban centers.

The shift aims to address varying housing needs across different communities, from densely populated cities to growing provincial areas.

President Marcos underscored the role of housing in nation-building.

"Mga kababayan, ang bahay ay hindi lamang istruktura. Sa tahanan unang nahuhubog ang pagkatao, umuusbong ang pag-ibig, at binubuo ang mga pangarap. Kaya't hangga't may mga Pilipinong ngnanais ng sariling tahanan, hindi po titigil ang pamahalaan sa aming pagkilos. Walang hihinto sa trabaho. Walang maiiwanan sa Bagong Pilipinas,"

One of the key components strengthened under the program is the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program, which allows organized communities to collectively acquire land and secure legal ownership. The government said thousands of families have gained greater stability and security of tenure through the initiative.

Authorities also accelerated the resolution of long-pending land issues involving properties covered by Presidential Proclamations. Certificates were distributed to beneficiaries to formalize ownership and provide legal recognition.

To address land scarcity in highly urbanized areas, the program supports high-density housing developments. Meanwhile, rental housing projects in partnership with academic institutions are being introduced to provide more flexible living arrangements, particularly for students and workers.

Declared the government’s flagship housing initiative under Executive Order No. 34, series of 2023, the Expanded 4PH Program is positioned as a tool for inclusive growth and social equity.

Officials said the program reflects a broader strategy to ensure that housing policy goes beyond shelter provision and contributes to long-term community development.