DOF, DHSUD explore financing options for expanded housing program

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and newly appointed Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling met recently to explore how the Department of Finance (DOF) can provide further support to national housing initiatives, particularly the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

In a statement, the DOF said the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the two agencies to improve Filipino families' access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.

One of the key topics was the provision of interest subsidies under the enhanced 4PH Program, a mechanism designed to lower the effective cost of home financing for qualified beneficiaries.

The finance chief expressed the DOF’s “full support and commitment” to the government’s socialized housing goals and assured DHSUD of continuing financial coordination to help drive the rollout of housing projects nationwide.

The meeting comes as the Marcos administration seeks to accelerate the delivery of 1 million housing units annually under the 4PH flagship program. The DHSUD has been working with both public and private stakeholders to streamline permitting processes and financing mechanisms to meet this target.

No further details were provided on the specific financing mechanisms discussed, but both agencies have committed to follow through with technical coordination in the coming weeks.