Following the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has officially expanded the scope of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. The move aims to provide diverse and affordable housing solutions to a wider range of Filipino income groups.
During a press briefing at Malacañang on Monday, DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Henry Yap highlighted the department’s shift from a primary focus on vertical housing to a more inclusive, multi-faceted approach.
“Our program began by concentrating on vertical housing. Under the leadership of Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, we have broadened our coverage,” Undersecretary Yap stated. “Nearly all income groups in the Philippines now have housing options, ranging from traditional subdivisions and condominiums to rental units.”
To ensure the program’s sustainability and reach, the DHSUD and its partners have introduced several landmark reforms:
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Significant Interest Rate Cuts: In collaboration with the Pag-IBIG Fund, interest rates for socialized and economic housing have been slashed from 6.5% to 3%. This reduction makes home ownership more accessible to low-income beneficiaries.
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Revitalized Community Mortgage Program (CMP): Starting July, the DHSUD widened the scope of the CMP, currently targeting over 6,000 beneficiaries across 36 distinct projects.
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Support for 4Ps Graduates: A new program has been established to include graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the 4PH housing pipeline.
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Streamlined Bureaucracy: The department is actively simplifying processes for permits and licenses, aiming for a “zero backlog” on all actionable items to accelerate project delivery.
The DHSUD remains committed to climate resilience and emergency assistance. Over the past year, the agency deployed modular shelter units and constructed approximately 20 “Bayanihan Villages” nationwide to assist victims of major earthquakes, specifically in Cebu and Davao Oriental. Financial aid through the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) continues to provide a safety net for displaced families.
Looking ahead, Undersecretary Yap announced the implementation of PlanSmart. Developed alongside the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this digital tool is designed to speed up the preparation of comprehensive land use plans across the country.
“Through these initiatives, we are following the President’s guidance to make housing solutions inclusive, sustainable, and truly responsive to the needs of every Filipino,” Yap concluded.
