Credible housing program builds stakeholders’ trust — Aliling

With the continuous roll-out of the Marcos administration’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said a credible housing program built on trust and strong partnerships helps the government widen access to decent, safer and affordable homes for more Filipinos.

Secretary Aliling emphasized the importance of public confidence and cooperation in delivering housing opportunities during the opening of the 2nd National Housing Expo (NHE) 2026.

"I believe that we don't need an incredible housing program. What we need is a credible housing program that our stakeholders, including developers and homebuyers, can trust.," Secretary Aliling said.

As of the first half of the year, more than 500,000 housing units under the 4PH were already given out by the government, revealed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address in July.

The Expo, which President Marcos Jr. graced on 19 October, was organized by DHSUD and Pag-IBIG Fund as part of the National Shelter Month celebration, bringing together private developers and prospective homebuyers to explore housing projects and financing options under the Expanded 4PH Program.

DHSUD continues to work with private developers, key shelter agencies, local government units, and other partners to bring homeownership within reach of more Filipinos, in line with the President's directive to make the program more inclusive.

Under the Expanded 4PH Program, Pag-IBIG Fund offers subsidized housing loan interest rates of 3 percent, 4.5 percent, and 5.75 percent, subject to applicable program guidelines and loan terms.

These financing options, together with housing offers from participating developers, help qualified homebuyers access more affordable ways to own a home.

DHSUD opened its monthlong observance of NSM on 5 October with the launch of booths and exhibits.

The activity brought together DHSUD, Pag-IBIG Fund, the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), and the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC).

The public received information on housing programs, financing options, regulatory services, and mechanisms for resolving housing-related disputes. The joint activity provided prospective homeowners and organized communities with a direct link to government agencies responsible for various aspects of the housing sector.

Biggest expo ever

The 2nd NHE drew more than 45,700 pre-registered attendees and brought together more than 80 private developers, making it the biggest housing and real estate expo organized by DHSUD and Pag-IBIG Fund to date.

Held on October 19-20 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City, the event showcased around 50,000 ready-for-occupancy housing units in various parts of the country.

Secretary Aliling and the heads of the Department's key shelter agencies accompanied President Marcos as he visited booths featuring projects from participating developers, including some of the country's leading real estate companies.

The Expo gave prospective homebuyers a venue to explore available properties, compare housing options, and consult directly with developers and government agencies about financing eligibility and other requirements.

For Secretary Aliling, the gathering demonstrated how government and private-sector cooperation can translate into more choices for Filipino families.

"We are here to work hand in hand to provide our kababayans who are dreaming to own their own homes," he said in Filipino, noting that while developers compete with one another, Filipino homebuyers ultimately stand to benefit from quality and affordable housing choices.

"When it’s about housing, it’s good news," the Secretary added.

The strong turnout and participation reflected the growing role of collaboration in expanding housing opportunities and helping more Filipino families move closer to owning a home.