Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling commended personnel who have positively responded to reforms while issuing a stern warning to those who are inefficient or fail to align with the agency’s zero tolerance for corruption, in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.
In his speech during the weekly flag-raising ceremony, Secretary Aliling emphasized the importance of adhering to the Department’s 8-Point Agenda, particularly the zero tolerance policy against corruption.
“Wala tayong palalampasin dito. Hindi tayo titigil…May tatlo kayong options (We won’t miss anything here. We won’t stop…You have three options): shape up, step out, or be kicked out,” he stated, as quoted in a news release.
He reiterated the clear directive from President Marcos Jr.: “Malinaw po ang utos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr.– magserbisyo ng tapat, malinis, mabilis at may malasakit. ‘Yan po ang ating gagawin sa DHSUD (The order of President Marcos Jr. is clear– to serve honestly, efficiently, fast, and with care. That is what we will do at DHSUD).”
Aliling highlighted recent milestones in the implementation of President Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, particularly the revival and enhancement of the community mortgage program (CMP).
“Tuloy-tuloy ang pag-launch natin ng mga bagong (We continue to launch new) modalities. This (ECMP) will benefit around 7,000 families. So, by October, magsisimula na po ang pag-award natin sa mga benepisyaryo nito (We will begin awarding the beneficiaries),” Aliling announced.
He also revealed plans for the rollout of the Expanded 4PH’s rental housing modality, with the University of the Philippines (UP) being considered as the pilot site, pending approval from its Board of Regents on August 28.
Regarding the Zero Backlog Program, Aliling commended the focal teams for successfully reducing the backlog concerning Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Housing and Real Estate Development Regulations (HREDR) from 3,000 to just 900 in under two months.
“From 3,000 in less than 2 months na sinimulan natin yung (when we started the) zero backlog program, nakabawas tayo ng mga (we were able to reduce) 2,000 items,” he noted.
However, Aliling acknowledged that there is still much work to be done, confirming that he has received negative reports from certain regional offices. He warned that appropriate action will be taken once verification is completed within the week.
The DHSUD chief reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to delivering dignified housing while upholding the highest standards of public service at all times.