43 Bulacan families secure land ownership

About 43 families in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan received land titles through a government housing program that helps informal settler families secure legal ownership of the land they occupy.

The Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) turned over the titles during a ceremony at the city’s Convention Center on 5 November.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and SHFC president and CEO Federico Laxa led the awarding, together with San Jose del Monte City Lone District Rep. Arthur Robes and Mayor Florida Robes.

The beneficiaries came from five communities: Galahapmai, with 11 families; Bagong Buhay Francisco Phase 1, five; Bagong Buhay Francisco Phase 2, eight; Partida Heights, 18; and Policarpio Ville, one.

CMP beneficiaries all

The recipients are beneficiaries of SHFC’s Community Mortgage Program (CMP), one of the agency’s housing initiatives under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Laxa said SHFC has accelerated the processing and distribution of land titles, with more than 5,400 awarded since January—nearly double the agency’s annual average of 3,700.

“Secretary Aliling and I distribute titles every week. As of today, we have awarded more than 5,400 titles since January. We have nearly doubled our annual average of 3,700 because we are expediting title processing in line with President Marcos’ directive,” Laxa said.

Mayor Robes said homeownership provides families not only shelter but also protection, dignity and stability.

“Having a home of one’s own is one of every family’s greatest dreams. It is not simply a roof over their heads or protection from the heat and rain. A home gives every family dignity and stability,” she said.

Rep. Robes echoed the sentiment, saying housing programs should ultimately be measured by the difference they make in people’s lives.

Galahapmai Homeowners Association Vice President Ma. Lea Sindayen said the land titles represented more than the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream, offering lasting security and hope for future generations.

“Having land of our own and its title is not merely a document. It symbolizes security, peace of mind, dignity, and a brighter future for our children and families in the generations to come,” Sindayen said.

The awarding is part of the SHFC and DHSUD’s continuing efforts to help informal settler families obtain legal ownership of the land they occupy through the Expanded 4PH Program.