The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the University of the Philippines Diliman have unveiled the model unit for a pilot rental housing project under the Marcos administration's Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the UP Southern Diliman Gardens Rental Housing Project, which is expected to benefit more than 3,000 individuals.

The development will consist of eight walk-up buildings with about 1,000 housing units, each measuring 27 square meters. Construction is being undertaken by Megawide Construction Corp., with completion targeted in 2027.

Aliling said the rental housing initiative expands the government's flagship housing program by offering more affordable options to Filipinos.

"Ito ay isa na namang patunay sa patuloy na pagpapalawak ng Expanded 4PH Program ng ating Pangulong BBM. Ang rental housing ay isa sa mga modality na idinagdag natin upang mas maraming Pilipino ang makinabang sa programa," he said.

He added that the program aims to provide not only housing but also safe, decent, and affordable communities that improve the quality of life of beneficiaries.

UP officials described the project as a valuable addition to the university community.

The Southern Diliman Gardens is among the first rental housing projects under the Expanded 4PH Program and follows the memorandum of agreement signed by DHSUD and UP last year. A similar rental housing project is also being implemented at UP Los Baños.