Seven years on: DHSUD builds hope for Filipino families

Envision finally receiving the keys to a safe, decent home after years of waiting — this is the real magic that is unfolding for Filipino families through seven years of reasonable reforms at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).  These reforms are powering President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, turning big ideas into real, life-changing homes.

With the theme “Seven Years of Continuing Service: Celebrating Our People and Partners in Building Homes, Building Communities, and Building Happiness,” DHSUD celebrates its anniversary with a people-first approach, combining program expansion, policy changes and sincere care. This, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling explains, has accelerated the drive for better housing and thriving communities.
DHSUD, which was established in 2019 by Republic Act 11201, consolidates all housing and urban initiatives under one roof. President Marcos Jr.’s powerful 4PH Program was then launched in 2022, and under Secretary Aliling’s leadership, it expanded in 2025.

“Ang positibong pag-arangkada ng Expanded 4PH ay bunga ng sama-sama at pagtutulungan ng lahat ng kawani ng DHSUD at ng ating attached agencies, alinsunod sa malinaw na direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na maghatid ng maayos, ligtas, at disenteng pabahay para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino (The positive progress of Expanded 4PH is the result of the collective and collaborative efforts of all DHSUD staff and our attached agencies, in accordance with the clear directive of the President  to deliver proper, safe, and decent housing for every Filipino family).” Aliling said.

Housing that fits your life

The Expanded 4PH is no longer only about high-rises; it now offers expansive horizontal homes, cozy rentals, the redesigned Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), build-as-you-go incremental housing and Presidential Proclamation sites. This signifies true access to decent homes for everyone, from hardworking professionals and middle-class families to those working in the informal sector.

DHSUD kicked off 2026 strong, awarding Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) to long-waiting families in Palawan under old Presidential Proclamations, issuing ECMP COEs, launching rental spots in Quezon City, Iloilo City and Victorias City, and fulfilling full house-and-lot dreams in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. 

Pag-IBIG Fund offers a market-low 3 percent subsidized loan rate for Expanded 4PH, making homeownership more accessible to regular workers.

“By delivering socialized housing at a subsidized rate, we make homeownership attainable for the working class — from the minimum wage earners and low-income families. This is inclusive growth translated into real homes as envisioned by our President,” Aliling said.

Families that get ECMP or Proclamation titles after decades of uncertainty are now experiencing a glow-up — peace of mind, family stability and new optimism for the future.

He added, “These life-changing stories inspire DHSUD to continue improving our systems and expanding our reach. Sa bawat susi ng bahay at bawat sertipikong naipagkakaloob, malinaw na ang reporma ay may tunay na epekto sa buhay ng tao (With every house key and every certificate granted, it is clear that the reform has a real impact on people’s lives).” 

Trust built on open doors 

In accordance with the President call, DHSUD’s 8-Point Agenda ensures transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption. It has restored faith in private developers by aligning government programs and policies with the private sector, luring them into these home-building enterprises.
The team is now focused on open conversations with developers to align programs with what families truly need, as well as regular huddles with homeowners’ organizations in the regions to foster community vibes and better neighborhoods.

Seven years on, DHSUD is stepping up its efforts to create housing that gives families in the Philippines a sense of security, happiness and dignity rather than merely building walls.

“Sa ikapitong taon ng DHSUD, malinaw ang aming paninindigan—ang pabahay ay hindi lamang istruktura kundi pundasyon ng dignidad, seguridad, at pag-asa. Hangga’t may pamilyang Pilipino na nangangarap ng sariling tahanan, magpapatuloy ang DHSUD sa pagtatrabaho nang may integridad, malasakit, at pananagutan, alinsunod sa bisyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na walang Pilipinong maiiwan sa Bagong Pilipinas (In DHSUD’s seventh year, our stance is clear—housing is not just a structure but a foundation of dignity, security, and hope. As long as there are Filipino families dreaming of a home of their own, DHSUD will continue to work with integrity, compassion, and accountability, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s vision that no Filipino will be left behind in the New Philippines),” Aliling said.