More private firms join Philippine housing drive as processes simplify

More private partners are willing to participate in the nationwide rollout of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) reported on Monday. The DHSUD attributed this increased participation to simplified processes and improved credibility.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling highlighted the gains of the flagship housing program after its recalibration and expansion, as directed by President Marcos Jr. He specifically cited Pag-IBIG Fund's move to pursue exclusive 4PH programs covering socialized housing.

"With the approved exclusive 4PH programs by the Pag-IBIG Fund, we can expect more active private sector participation and simplified processes for our beneficiaries," Aliling said. "Hence, a more inclusive and sustainable program."

He added: "We can consider it done, the Expanded 4PH will move quickly. We just have to monitor and assist the developers who have committed. So, we will see private sector developers gradually participating in 4PH."

The revitalized private sector participation in the Expanded 4PH reflects growing trust in DHSUD's leadership and credibility. Aliling emphasized that private stakeholders are more willing to engage when government programs offer clarity and fairness.

"As long as our department has high credibility, everyone will come in, everyone will commit," Aliling told DHSUD officials and employees during Monday's flag-raising ceremony. "Now, in the end, you will benefit from this."

He also expressed his desire for the DHSUD to be recognized for its integrity: "What I want is that someday, when people say you came from DHSUD, those people are decent."

Upon his assumption, Secretary Aliling laid out the DHSUD 8-Point Agenda, aligning with President Marcos Jr.'s vision for an inclusive, responsive, and sustainable housing sector.

Among his first directives as DHSUD chief were the expansion of 4PH to include horizontal developments, offering home buyers options beyond vertical housing and attracting more private developers, particularly those involved in socialized housing. He also directed the streamlining of processes.

Aliling also underscored his zero-tolerance policy for corruption and his advocacy for transparency and accountability.

To date, at least 42 private developers have committed more than 250,000 units to the Expanded 4PH since the inclusion of horizontal developments, or subdivision-like housing projects, into the program. Other modalities, such as rental and incremental housing, are also under study within the Expanded 4PH.