Prospective beneficiaries of the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program expressed renewed hope for homeownership, with officials saying the initiative aims to provide more Filipinos access to affordable housing.

At the Pag-IBIG Housing Fair 2026 Southern Luzon in Calamba, Laguna, which showcased around 20,000 socialized housing units, several attendees said the program could help them secure stable homes.

Eva Quintos, a 54-year-old housewife, said the housing fair gave her family a chance to finally consider owning a home.

“Wala kaming kakayahang magkaroon ng sariling tahanan... pero gawa nitong housing fair, parang nagkaroon kami ng pag-asa,” she said, noting the importance of having a permanent home for her children.

Rollan John Romero, a tricycle driver facing possible displacement, described the program as a “malaking pag-asa” for families like his.

“Lahat naman ng tao nangangarap ng sariling bahay... malaking pagbabago yun,” he said.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said access to housing is key to improving living conditions.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng sariling tahanan ay hindi lamang tungkol sa tirahan. Ito ay pundasyon ng mas maayos at may dignidad na pamumuhay,” he said.

Other attendees, including uniformed personnel and government workers, also cited affordability and accessibility as key benefits of the program.

The housing fair provided on-site assistance to address barriers such as financing, limited information and high housing costs.

The Expanded 4PH Program is part of the Marcos administration’s effort to provide safe, decent and affordable housing, particularly for low-income families.