Marcos tasks DHSUD to build housing near workplaces, terminals

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. tasked the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to build more quality housing closer to workplaces, transport terminals and other essential services for the benefit of Filipino families.

On Monday, Marcos met with DHSUD officials led by Secretary Jose Ramon  Aliling, and other concerned agencies in Malacañang Palace to discuss the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program catch-up plans as well as updates on other housing initiatives.

“Alinsunod sa layunin ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na pagaanin ang pamumuhay ng mga residenteng lilipat sa mga pabahay ng pamahalaan, ipinag-utos ngayong araw ng Pangulo sa Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development – sa pangunguna ni Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling – na unahin ang pagbibigay ng mga de kalidad na mga pabahay malapit sa trabaho, terminal at iba pang pangunahing serbisyo ng pamahalaan,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

(In line with the goal of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ease the burden of residents who will transfer in the housing programs of the government, the President directed DHSUD to prioritize giving quality residences near to people's work, terminals, and other services.)

Castro said the President also ordered the DHSUD to promote flexible and affordable housing options for low- and middle-income families – such as rental housing and other programs – with the aim to simplify the process in purchasing a house. 

“Ipinag-utos din ng Pangulo ang pagkakaroon ng mas simpleng proseso para makapagbayad,” Castro said.

(He also ordered the creation of a simplified process in paying rent.) 

The DHSUD has integrated high-density housing (HDH) – or multi-storey residential housing – in the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program as an added housing option for informal settler families (ISFs).

In Department Order 2025-021, the DHSUD included the HDH component in the Expanded 4PH to address challenges posed by the limited availability of land and high urban density.

Aliling had said this will be a huge boost to the government’s flagship housing program and will help improve the standard of living of ISFs in urban areas. —RF, GMA Integrated News