After 40 years, Caloocan families finally receive land titles

After nearly four decades of waiting, residents of a community in Caloocan City finally secured legal ownership of their land, highlighting how government housing programs can offer Filipino families a path to more secure homes.

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) awarded land titles to five beneficiaries of Kapisanan sa Landas ng Paninirahan Inc. (KALAP) on 19 October, coinciding with the opening of the 2nd National Housing Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The ceremony was led by DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and SHFC president and CEO Federico Laxa. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also visited the expo on its opening day.

SHFC’s Community Mortgage Program beneficiary

KALAP, a community in Barangay Camarin, Caloocan City, is a beneficiary of SHFC’s Community Mortgage Program (CMP), one of the agency’s key initiatives under the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The CMP supports organized communities seeking secure land tenure through an affordable financing arrangement.

For residents who have spent years waiting for certainty over the land they occupy, obtaining a title can represent an important step toward stability and a more secure future.

Accelerating delivery of secure tenure

From January to October 2026, SHFC had awarded land titles to more than 5,000 families across the country, according to the agency. The effort forms part of its push to accelerate the delivery of secure tenure under the Expanded 4PH Program.

SHFC also set up a booth at the housing expo to introduce its programs to individuals and communities seeking homeownership. Agency personnel answered questions from visitors, including communities interested in the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP).

Opportunity to know housing agencies and their programs

The expo gave prospective homeowners an opportunity to learn about different government housing agencies and the programs they offer. While Pag-IBIG Fund provides housing loans to eligible members, SHFC focuses on community-based housing solutions, including programs that help qualified associations secure land tenure.

For families unsure where to start, speaking directly with these agencies can help them identify which program fits their circumstances and understand the requirements involved. Buyers should also confirm with the relevant agencies whether separate financing options can be combined, as eligibility and program rules may differ.

By bringing housing agencies and prospective beneficiaries together, the expo aims to make information more accessible and help more Filipinos find a practical route toward a secure home.