The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has begun distributing the initial batch of housing units under the national housing initiative before the close of 2024. The Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, launched in September 2022, was designated as a flagship initiative by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through Executive Order 34. This program focuses on constructing vertical, multi-story buildings to optimize land usage. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar emphasized that the 4PH program is designed to address the housing backlog by streamlining processes and maximizing government resources. The program is largely funded by private sources and has garnered support from local governments, financial institutions, banks, developers, and contractors. On December 17, President Marcos handed over the first set of 4PH units to overseas Filipino workers at Malacañan Palace, in a joint effort with the DHSUD, the Department of Migrant Workers, and other government agencies. Secretary Acuzar announced that this marks the beginning of ongoing deliveries of 4PH units, with more units to be awarded in the coming months. Currently, 56 projects are under development across the country, with some condominium buildings already completed and ready for distribution.
In addition to housing, the DHSUD has launched the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) and the distribution of housing materials and essentials (HOMEs) to support disaster victims. Under IDSAP, families with completely destroyed homes receive PHP30,000 in unconditional cash assistance, while those with partially damaged shelters get PHP10,000. By December 13, over PHP130 million of the PHP200 million IDSAP fund had been used to aid more than 6,000 families. HOMEs kits, containing galvanized iron sheets, plywood, lumber, and nails valued at about PHP15,000 each, were distributed to thousands of families in the Bicol Region after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in October.
The DHSUD is also leading the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), responsible for the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project. This initiative aims to revitalize the Pasig River and its tributaries, enhancing economic potential through tourism and transportation connectivity. The project has been prioritized by the national government through Executive Order 35. The IAC-PRUD has opened a 500-meter showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office, extending to the entrance of Intramuros near Plaza Mexico. Additionally, the Pasay City Staging Area has been completed to prevent displacement of informal settler families applying for 4PH units, featuring amenities such as a playground, commercial stalls, and a day care center.
In February, the DHSUD introduced the nationwide Plan and Do (Planado) Program to improve land use planning and urban development. The program targets zero backlog on Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP) by 2028, and aims to promote sustainable urban development for future generations. It also seeks to streamline and digitize land use and urban planning processes to foster smart, green, resilient, and inclusive human settlements. From January to September 2024, the DHSUD issued licenses to sell (LS) for 367 projects, covering 143,301 residential units, to protect homebuyers from fraudulent developers and transactions. The department has processed 138 CLUPs and PDPFPs, with 58 CLUPs and four PDPFPs approved, and 65 CLUPs and 11 PDPFPs pending finalization, adoption, and approval. As of September 2024, 26,307 homeowners’ associations, 224 federations, and 36 confederations are registered and monitored nationwide. Secretary Acuzar noted challenges with funding and bureaucratic processes, highlighting the need for private investment to address long-standing housing issues and rapid urbanization.