Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, returning to public service is more than just duty — it’s personal.
Appearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA), Aliling became emotional as he explained that his comeback was not just his own decision, but a commitment shared with his family.
"Unang una po, hindi ko lang po ito ambag, ambag po ito ng pamilya ko. We want to give back," he said when asked by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johny Pimentel about his reason for returning to DHSUD after his resignation in 2023.
A successful civil engineer, Aliling was confirmed as DHSUD chief by the CA last Wednesday upon the appointment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Having previously served as undersecretary in the same department, Aliling said he returned with a renewed determination to push the agency’s housing programs forward.
"Secondly, galing po akong DHSUD, nakita ko ano pwedeng gawin para mapalipad yung programa. So, I am confident na itong pagbabalik ko sa DHSUD, basta susuportahan ako ng mga kasamahan ko sa Departamento, meron po kaming ma-a-achieve," he added.
For Aliling, public service is deeply rooted in his family’s values. His parents, Tito and Evelyn, are known for their efforts to help the needy, particularly the youth. But stepping away from his post in 2023 was a decision he made when he felt that his sacrifices were not yielding enough results.
“Unang-una, pumasok po ako sa gobyerno para makatulong, wala akong ibang agenda dito. Dumating lang po yung punto na nakita ko na yung sakripisyo na nangyayari sa akin ay hindi nata-translate into output. Wala po tayong regrets dyan,” he explained.
Family was also a key reason for his resignation.
“Pangalawa po, it has been my priority to give time to my parents Isa po yan sa na-sakripisyo nung pumasok ako sa gobyerno, again ang akin lang po dito, ang pagpasok ko sa gobyerno before and today ay gusto ko lang makatulong, so kung hindi rin lang ako makakatulong, yung sakripisyo hindi lang naman sa physical yan pati yung oras ko sa pamilya saka sa quality ng buhay, I’d rather go back to the private sector,” he added.
Now back in office, Aliling promised to pursue a more inclusive housing agenda as directed by President Marcos Jr. He emphasized the importance of delivering dignified living to those in lower-income sectors and the country’s poorest communities.
With renewed commitment, Aliling hopes his return to government service will finally bring meaningful results to the Filipinos who need it most.