In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to recalibrate the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has issued several directives that have garnered support from housing and real estate stakeholders.
During his first two weeks in office, Aliling mandated the inclusion of horizontal developments, or subdivision-like housing projects, into the flagship 4PH program. This expansion aims to cover a broader range of beneficiaries, particularly those in the lower-income bracket and the poorest of the poor.
In a news release on Monday, the DHSUD reported that three private developers committed to providing more than 50,000 horizontal housing units to the expanded 4PH just days after Aliling’s appointment on May 26.
Aliling also sought recommendations from private stakeholders, particularly the country’s four major developers: the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, the National Real Estate Association, the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines, and the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association. These recommendations are currently under review by DHSUD.
Additionally, Aliling ordered a study on the inclusion of rental housing under the expanded 4PH program. He engaged with top officials from the University of the Philippines, led by President Angelo Jimenez, to explore potential pilot projects on campuses.
“Malinaw po ang directive ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Dapat prayoridad sa bagong 4PH ang poorest of the poor, ‘yung mga nasa lower-income deciles (The directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is clear. The priority of the new 4PH is the poorest of the poor, those in the lower-income deciles),” Aliling stated.
“Yan po mismo ang gagawin natin kaya in-expand natin ang programa sa lahat ng mga modalities na magbe-benepisyo ang mga mahihirap (That is exactly what we will do, so we will expand the program to all modalities that will benefit the poor).”
He instructed the National Housing Authority to refocus its programs to benefit more families and directed the Social Housing Finance Corporation to revive its community mortgage program for informal settler families.
To promote the protection of home buyers, Aliling issued Department Circular No. 2025-008, which calls for the expeditious resolution of all complaints against developers. He also ordered the strengthening of regulatory functions over homeowners’ associations and private developers.
Aliling emphasized a “no corruption policy” and urged DHSUD officials and employees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and service in their roles.
