DHSUD hails exemption of socialized housing from farm lands conversion moratorium

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Sunday welcomed the exemption of socialized housing projects from the farm lands conversion moratorium imposed by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a statement, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the DA’s Department Circular No. 11, series of 2026 dated March 3 is vital in sustaining the momentum of the rollout of the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

“Malaking bagay ito sa pagtalima natin sa direktiba ng Pangulo – pabilisin ang pagpapatupad ng mga programang pabahay upang matulungan ang ating mga kababayang patuloy na nangangarap magkaroon ng sariling tahanan na ligtas, disente at abot kaya,” Aliling said.

(This is a big help in following the directive of our President – to expedite the implementation of housing projects to help our countrymen who still dream of having their own home that is safe, decent, and affordable.)

“Sa gitna ng mga pagsubok ngayon, may gobyernong handang umagapay sa bawat Pilipinong patuloy na nangangarap magkabahay. Sama-sama, mapagtatagumpayan natin ito,” he added.

(Amidst the challenges we have today, our government is ready to help each Filipino achieve their goal of their own house. Together, we can achieve this.)

Last week, the DA said it has exempted renewable energy and government socialized housing projects from the farm lands conversion moratorium.

The DA’s memorandum circular allowed the processing and issuance of certificates for land-use reclassification covering green energy developments and socialized housing initiatives, provided these are certified by the appropriate authorities. 

Aliling said the exemption will help prevent delays in the development of socialized housing projects intended to provide safe, decent, and affordable homes for Filipino families from the low-income and vulnerable sectors.

The exemption allows housing projects implemented or certified by the DHSUD, National Housing Authority (NHA), and other authorized agencies to proceed with the necessary land-use reclassification processes despite the earlier moratorium that will be in effect until June this year.

Aliling stressed that housing development must move forward in coordination with other national priorities, including the protection of agricultural lands and food security.

“This development will allow us to move forward with our socialized housing projects without unnecessary delays,” he said.

“As we protect our agricultural lands and ensure sustainability, we must also make sure that Filipino families, especially the most vulnerable, have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes,” Aliling added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News