Today it has been marked for six years for six years in the delivery of housing solutions to Filipinos, especially in marginalized communities, the Ministry of Human settlements and urban development (DHSUD) has played an important role in developing strong shelters that builds flourishing communities in the Philippines.
The DHSUD was founded in 2019 and has the mission to develop and regulate housing projects throughout the country. It is a specific task to ensure that the basic needs of all Filipino families are met. It supervises housing policy, housing programs, city planning and development.
The DHSUD originated from the Coordinating Council (HUDCC) of the Housing and Urban Development, a government agency that coordinates government housing activities; and the Regulatory Board (HLurb) of the housing and land use, which controls home and development. The Department also supervises the most important reception agencies in the country, such as the National Housing Authority, PAG-IBIG Fund, Social Housing Financing Corp. and the National Home MortGage Finance Corp.
Because it contributes to preparing an environment for a thriving economy, the DHSUD works to promote housing and urban development by offering quality, affordable homes that revitalize and support sustainable, healthy and safe living environments for Filipino families.
The previous year marked another important chapter for the department because it continues to implement successful initiatives to further strengthen homes in the country. Under these efforts, the DHSud actively pushes the national housing program more effectively. Also known as the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino Housing Program, or 4PH, this initiative is aimed at supplying socialized home solutions to low -income families.
According to the DHSUD secretary, the 4PH program is designed to tackle backlogs of housing by offering decent, safe and affordable residential units for Filipinos. Launch in 2022, 4PH is a flagship program with the DHSUD, the Local Government Units (LGUs), Financial Institutions (GFIs), Stakeholders of Housing, Private Banks, Developers and Contractors.
“4PH is the formula that we have developed to resolve our backlog of the home. We only have to find a way to speed up the process and maximize the government resources, “said DHSUD secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar earlier in mixed English and Filipin.
“Our government is aimed at providing Filipinos with good housing, which are now within our reach. The construction of such homes is expected to be completed within two and a half years, and you will be able to see it throughout the country, “the secretary added.
Last year the department started the distribution of the first series of housing units of 4PH program under the 4PH program of Overseas Filipino employees (OFWS) in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. According to the DHSUD, this initiative is aimed at building vertical homes or condominium developments on the country of the government to improve a large number of Filipinos.
Moreover, the agency also works together with the University of the Philippines (UP) in attempts to offer affordable homes in sustainable communities. This partnership enables the DHSUD to build homes for the faculty and the staff of the University in Up Diliman.
Furthermore, a total of 56 projects are currently developing at various locations, including Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Quezon City, Caloocan and in other parts of the country.
Reinforcement of the disaster response
The Department has also been steadfast to offer shelter as a disaster reaction through cash assistance, moratorium of loan payment and assistance in moving danger zones.
The Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) of the DHSUD is a good example that tackles the home needs of Filipinos during disaster disasters. Last year this program was launched and this program supports victims by offering them money aid for people with damaged hiding places: P30,000 for houses that have been completely destroyed and P10,000 for people with partially damaged houses.
In addition, when Tropical Kristine struck last year, the P130 Bureau used to provide assistance to victims of disasters. It also has housing materials and essential matters spread to thousands of families and have instructed their most important collection agencies to become flexible and to pause monthly payments for housing loans for its members in the affected areas.
“We want a reliable government among Bagong Pilipinas, and this program will ensure that the help we will offer is holistic, from the start of the disaster to rehabilitation and recovery,” Mr Acuzar said. “We want our Kababayans affected by disasters to receive the help of the government immediately. They already suffered from typhoons, earthquakes … We want to relieve that by speeding up the delivery of our services. “
Rehabilitation of the river Pasig
The DHSud also had to lead the rehabilitation of the River Pasig. Apart from transforming the river to improve its water quality and to turn it into an essential part of Metro Manila, the rehabilitation project is also aimed at improving the homes among informal settlers who live along the riverbank.
The first phase of the Pasig River Urban Development project started in 2024, which includes a showcase area of 500 meters, which extends from the central office from Manila to Intramuros.
With the DHSUD, the Inter-agency Council leads for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PUD), the project wants to improve the home, transport and tourism in the area considerably. This project includes pedestrian -friendly infrastructures, commercial zones, green spaces, cycle paths and water transport such as water taxis.
Other agencies that are also involved in the Passig River Urban Development project are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA).
“Housing for squatters and informal settlers are currently being built. Take a look at the arms that live under the river, it is not a beautiful sight. While they work on revitalizing the Pasig River, home developments are for those who are affected, with at least 40,000 to 50,000 residential units. This initiative is intended to ensure that those who live under the bridge and are not neglected along the river, “said Mr Acuzar. – Angela Kiara S. Brillantes