From local government leaders recognizing stronger government support for housing, to urban poor advocates acknowledging reforms that benefit underserved communities, to industry experts citing positive impacts on the housing market, and Filipinos expressing greater satisfaction with government housing programs, support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program continues to grow as its benefits reach more families nationwide.

These were among the latest manifestations of the increasing confidence in the administration’s flagship housing initiative, which has evolved into a broader, more people-centered program under the leadership of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

Through expanded housing modalities, stronger partnerships, and reforms to make housing more accessible and affordable, the Expanded 4PH Program is steadily transforming how the government responds to the housing needs of ordinary Filipinos.

Spearheaded by DHSUD and its key shelter agencies, the Expanded 4PH Program has moved beyond a traditional housing framework and evolved into a comprehensive platform that offers multiple pathways to homeownership, security of tenure, and dignified living for Filipino families.

As the program continues to expand, support for its implementation is likewise growing from stakeholders across various sectors—an indication that the government’s housing reforms are creating meaningful impacts in communities nationwide.

Recognizing housing is not ‘one-size-fits-all’

One of the major changes of the Expanded 4PH Program is its shift from a single-modality housing strategy to a more responsive and inclusive approach that recognizes the diverse needs of Filipino families.

Upon assuming office in May 2025, Secretary Aliling expanded the administration’s flagship housing initiative beyond vertical or condominium-type developments.

Today, the Expanded 4PH Program encompasses a wide range of housing solutions, including vertical and horizontal housing developments, rental housing, the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), Presidential Proclamations, incremental housing, and other financing and shelter interventions designed to respond to the varying needs and capacities of Filipino families.

The broader approach has enabled the government to reach a wider range of beneficiaries, including informal settler families, low-income workers, government employees, organized communities, and aspiring homeowners who have long struggled to access affordable housing opportunities.

By providing more options and pathways, the Expanded 4PH Program has made government housing initiatives more responsive to the realities faced by ordinary Filipinos while ensuring that more sectors can participate in the country’s housing programs.

The growing momentum of the Expanded 4PH Program is now being felt at the local level.

In Naga City, Mayor Leni Robredo cited the administration’s housing initiative as an “aggressive” program for families without homes and acknowledged the stronger government focus on housing.

“We are grateful to the national government. This is part of President Bongbong Marcos’ administration’s housing program, which has been aggressively pursuing housing initiatives for families without homes. For a very long time, we have not seen the national government take such an aggressive approach to addressing the country’s housing needs,” Mayor Robredo said.

The recognition came during the Naga City Housing and Development Milestone Ceremony, which featured the groundbreaking of the city’s first rental housing project, the signing of a housing agreement for government employees, and the awarding of P26 million in assistance for lot acquisition benefiting two homeowners’ associations under the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program.

Mayor Robredo also commended Secretary Aliling’s leadership and the accelerated implementation of housing projects under DHSUD.

“To Secretary Ping, we have nothing but the highest respect for your leadership. Secretary Ping has worked quietly and without fanfare. He is very humble, and we salute your leadership. I also served under the HUDCC, and what you have accomplished as head of the DHSUD is something I was not able to achieve when I headed the HUDCC. You have accelerated the delivery of decent housing to our people. That was no easy task, yet you were able to make it happen.,” she said.

Public satisfaction reflects growing confidence

Among the strongest indicators of the program’s growing acceptance is the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Results of the First Quarter 2026 SWS National Survey showed that public satisfaction with the administration’s housing programs for the poor improved by seven points, from a net satisfaction rating of +38 in November 2025 to +45 in March 2026.

The increase placed housing among the administration’s top gainers during the survey period and earned the sector a “good” rating.

Secretary Aliling welcomed the results, saying they reflect the government’s continuing efforts to expand housing opportunities for more Filipino families.

“We welcome the positive feedback from our fellow Filipinos. This motivates us more to continue improving our programs to accelerate the delivery of housing units across the country in compliance with the instruction of President Marcos Jr.,” he said.

Housing reforms gain recognition

Beyond public perception, the Expanded 4PH Program is also earning recognition from industry stakeholders.

During the First Quarter 2026 Philippine Property Market Briefing, Colliers Philippines Research Director Joey Roi Bondoc cited the program as a key contributor to growing activity in the affordable housing segment.

“By prioritizing government intervention to stimulate the economy, the Philippine government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program is doing wonders for the condominium market, specifically for the urban poor and lowincome earners,” Bondoc said.

He likewise underscored the importance of collaboration among government, local government units, and the private sector in sustaining growth in the housing sector

“While certain pockets of Metro Manila still grapple with high inventory, the synergy of government-led Keynesian policy, LGU participation, and private sector innovation is successfully pivoting the market toward inclusivity and long-term stability,” he added.

Secretary Aliling welcomed the assessment, noting that it reflects the broader impact of the Expanded 4PH Program beyond housing production alone.“The recognition by our stakeholders of the positive impact of the Expanded 4PH Program is significant—not only for the housing sector, but also for the economy and the lives of our fellow Filipinos. It also demonstrates the benefits of a whole-ofsociety approach, where the national and local governments, the private sector, and the public work together toward a common goal,” he said.

“The recognition by our stakeholders of the positive impact of the Expanded 4PH Program is significant—not only for the housing sector, but also for the economy and the lives of our fellow Filipinos. It also demonstrates the benefits of a whole-ofsociety approach, where the national and local governments, the private sector, and the public work together toward a common goal,” he said.