The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) recently held a dialogue with representatives from the Partido Lakas ng Masa-Urban Poor Communities to address grassroots-level housing concerns and highlight the inclusive approach of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar led the meeting, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to delivering decent, safe, and affordable in-city and on-site shelters for Filipinos, particularly the urban poor.
“Sa 4PH, in-city at on-site housing projects ang hatid ng Marcos Jr. administration, at kasama ang urban poor sa ating prayoridad (The Marcos Jr. administration brings in-city and on-site housing projects through the 4PH, and the urban poor is included in our priority list),” Acuzar said.
Community leaders used the platform to propose ways to improve support for informal settler families living in highly urbanized areas. In response, Acuzar acknowledged the need for stronger collaboration between the government and grassroots communities to better align public housing initiatives with on-the-ground realities.
“Ang tunay na pag-unlad ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa dami ng gusaling naipatayo kundi sa kung ilang pamilya ang nabigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad (True development is measured not only by the number of buildings constructed but by how many families are given the opportunity to improve their lives),” Acuzar added.
The DHSUD reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing consultations and emphasized the importance of fair and responsive housing strategies in achieving long-term, inclusive development.