(Photo courtesy of PNA)
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A total of 160 urban poor families in Cebu City received Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) to housing lots on Thursday, October 22, bringing them closer to securing permanent homes after more than 20 years of uncertainty.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling led the distribution of certificates to beneficiaries of the GMA Ville Lot 110 Housing Project in Barangay Carreta under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
The certificates formally recognize the beneficiaries’ entitlement to housing lots, providing greater security as they work toward obtaining permanent homes.
Aliling said the initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make affordable housing more accessible, particularly to low-income families and urban poor communities.
“Ang pamimigay natin ng mga COEs ay magbibigay ng kapanatagan at mas may dignidad na pamumuhay sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga urban poor,” Aliling said.
He emphasized that the distribution aims to provide beneficiaries with peace of mind and greater confidence in their housing future.
The awarding ceremony was organized by DHSUD Regional Office 7 in partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Cebu City government.
The activity formed part of the celebration of National Shelter Month 2026, carrying the theme “Tahanan. Pamayanan. Kinabukasan,” which emphasizes the importance of secure housing in strengthening communities and improving the lives of Filipino families.
DHSUD said the initiative demonstrates continued cooperation between national and local government agencies to expand housing opportunities and strengthen land tenure security for vulnerable communities.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Expanded 4PH Program to help more Filipino families gain access to safe, affordable, and secure housing.
