More Filipino working-class families have taken a step toward homeownership after receiving symbolic keys to socialized housing units under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program in Tarlac.

The turnover, led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Pag-IBIG Fund, forms part of the expanded housing program aimed at making decent, safe and affordable homes more accessible to low-income workers through lower financing costs.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta led the turnover ceremony at Brentwood Residences, a socialized housing project in Capas, Tarlac, on 8 July.

For beneficiary Rhea Reyes, owning a home means security and independence.

"'Pag sarili mo kasing bahay, magagawa mo yung gusto mo, hindi ka nakikibagay o nakikisama kasi sarili mong bahay 'yun. Siyempre nakaka-proud, masaya kasi at sa ganitong edad meron ka nang sariling bahay... very affordable... Kahit na kunwari maliit lang yung sahod mo, kaysa yung nagre-rent ka... Maraming salamat kay Pangulong BBM," she said.

Rachel Orasan, a pharmacy assistant, also described receiving a home as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

"Masaya kasi sa wakas may sarili nang bahay... It's a dream come true. Napakasaya ko na merong swak sa budget ko... Iba talaga yung feeling na may sarili kang bahay. I'm very grateful na mapabilang dito. Naka-avail ako sa expanded 4PH Program sa admin na ito ni PBBM," she said.

According to Apec Homes, developer of Brentwood Residences, the project is expected to generate about 9,000 housing units. It qualifies for the three percent subsidized interest rate under the Expanded 4PH Program, making homeownership more affordable for low-income and minimum-wage earners.

Aliling said the program continues to fulfill the administration's commitment to provide more Filipinos with decent, resilient and affordable housing.

"Malinaw ang nais ni Pangulong BBM, ang matulungan ang mas maraming Pilipino, lalo na ang mga low-income earners, na magkaroon ng sariling tahanan na disente, ligtas at abot-kaya upang mamuhay ng mas may dignidad," Aliling said.

He added that DHSUD, in partnership with the Pag-IBIG Fund, will continue expanding the 4PH Program to more parts of the country.