DHSUD Chief: Credible housing program builds stakeholders’ trust

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the 2nd National Housing Expo, where more than 30,000 prospective homebuyers participated.

A credible housing program built on trust and strong partnerships is essential to making decent, safe and affordable homes accessible to more Filipino families, said Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, as the agency marked National Shelter Month (NSM) with initiatives focused on homeownership, secure land tenure, disaster recovery and housing development.

At the opening of the 2nd National Housing Expo 2026, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of cooperation and streamlined housing loan processes in making homeownership more accessible to Filipinos.

“Sa ating pagtutulungan at mas pinadaling proseso sa pagkuha ng housing loan, mas mapapalawak ang akses ng mga Pilipino sa mga abot-kayang pabahay. Sama-sama nating isulong ang mga programang tulad nito upang mas marami pa ang magkaroon ng sariling bahay kasabay ng mas panatag, marangal, at masaganang pamumuhay,” he said.

The President graced the Expo on October 19, where Secretary Aliling emphasized that a housing program must earn the confidence of the people it serves, particularly prospective homebuyers and private developers.

“Ako po ay naniniwala na hindi natin kailangan ng incredible na housing program… ang kailangan natin ay isang credible na housing program na pagtitiwalaan ng ating mga stakeholders kasama ang mga developers at homebuyers,” he said.

Hundreds of beneficiaries of the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program and the GMA Ville Lot 110 Housing Project received land titles and Certificates of Entitlement during the National Shelter Month.

Biggest housing expo to date

Organized by DHSUD and Pag-IBIG Fund on October 19 to 20 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City, the Expo drew more than 45,700 pre-registered attendees and over 80 private developers, making it the biggest housing and real estate expo organized by the two agencies to date.

It showcased around 50,000 ready-for-occupancy housing units nationwide, allowing prospective homebuyers to explore properties and consult directly with developers and government agencies about financing and eligibility requirements.

The event also highlighted the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, offering qualified homebuyers more affordable financing options. Subject to applicable program guidelines and loan terms, Pag-IBIG Fund provides subsidized housing loan interest rates of 3 percent, 4.5 percent, and 5.75 percent.

The Expo’s reach extended beyond Metro Manila through the Visayas Housing Fair on October 27 to 28, where at least 6,000 homeseekers were offered 12,000 housing units from 25 developers.

DHSUD Secretary Aliling, along with key shelter agency heads, opened the National Shelter Month at the DHSUD Central Office on October 5.

Bringing housing services closer to the public

DHSUD opened its monthlong NSM observance on October 5 with booths and exhibits that ran until October 8.

The activity brought together the Department’s key shelter agencies: Pag-IBIG Fund, the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC), and the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC).

DHSUD and SHFC continued to help low-income families secure land ownership through the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program.

The agencies also awarded land titles to more than 100 families from Quezon City, Caloocan, and Antipolo City. Since January, more than 5,000 families have received Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) under the Expanded 4PH Program, according to SHFC.

Meanwhile, NHA issued housing certificates to beneficiaries of Navotas Homes 3 and Disiplina Village-Arkong Bato in Navotas City. In Cebu City, 160 qualified member-beneficiaries of the GMA Ville Lot 110 Housing Project received their Certificates of Entitlement.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) also entered the Expanded 4PH through a memorandum of agreement.

Supporting disaster recovery and future developments

As part of NSM’s disaster recovery initiatives, DHSUD and NHA distributed construction materials and shelter repair kits to more than 100 families in Apalit, Pampanga.

DHSUD also advanced partnerships for future housing and community development. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Pag-IBIG signed a memorandum of agreement establishing a framework for the development of identified BCDA properties, particularly in New Clark City.

The DHSUD, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Philippine Community Housing Corp. (PCHC) also signed a memorandum of understanding to assess a proposed integrated housing and community development initiative in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling visits the opening of the Visayas Housing Fair at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod.

Advancing dignified living

Secretary Aliling stressed that housing programs must go beyond providing individual homes and help establish secure, sustainable communities where families can build better lives.

“Ang tunay na layunin ng ating mga programa ay hindi lamang makapagbigay ng tahanan, kundi makapagtatag ng mga pamayanang ligtas, maayos, at may pagkakataon para sa bawat pamilya,” he said.