Housing is a fundamental human right and a critical component of sustainable development, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing is essential for individual well-being and societal progress. Recognizing housing as a universal right aligns with the SDGs, particularly SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. In a country like ours, this can often be a challenge for many brought about by circumstances such as disasters, migration, and a lack of financial capabilities just to name a few. These crises magnify inequalities and hinder social justice, limiting people’s ability to participate fully in society.
By investing in housing, we don’t just fulfill a basic human right, we create a catalyst for economic growth and social development, paving the way for healthier, more resilient communities everywhere.
2024 Year-end review: DHSUD’s commitment to sustainable housing and urban development
2024 emerged as a transformative period for the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) under the proactive leadership of its secretary, Jose Rizalino Azucar. With a firm commitment to addressing the pressing housing needs of the nation, DHSUD initiated significant strides in delivering housing solutions through the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. A notable highlight occurred on December 17, when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ceremonially awarded the first housing units to overseas Filipino workers during the Pamaskong Handog event held at Malacañan, exemplifying a collaborative effort among DHSUD, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other national government agencies.
Currently, 56 4PH projects are actively being developed across various regions of the country, with several condominium buildings already completed and ready for occupancy – an impressive achievement just two years after the program’s launch in September 2022. This initiate represents a strategic shift towards vertical housing solutions, maximizing land use to effectively tackle the significant housing backlog that has plagued the nation for decades.
Acuzar has played a pivotal role in conceptualizing this flagship program, which seeks to bridge the housing gap primarily through private funding. “The ongoing 4PH projects are tangible evidence of our capability to harness private resources effectively in government housing initiatives,” he emphasized. The program has garnered robust support from local government units (LGUs), government financial institutions (GFIs), private banks, and developers, all of whom are integral to its successful implementation.
Disaster Response
In addition to advancing housing initiatives, DHSUD demonstrated its commitment to disaster response during a challenging year marked by a series of destructive typhoons. DHSUD launched two impactful programs: the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) and the distribution of essential housing materials known as HOMEs.
As of December 13, over P130 million of the allocated P200 million for IDSAP had been utilized to assist approximately 6,000 families affected by these calamities. This program provides unconditional cash assistance of P30,000 to families whose homes were completely destroyed and P10,000 to those with partially damaged shelters.
DHSUD also distributed HOMEs to thousands of families in Bicol Region following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Each HOME kit is composed of GI sheets, plywood, lumber and nails, amounting to about P15,000 each.
Urban Renewal
Moreover, DHSUD took proactive steps in urban renewal projects, including leading efforts for the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project. This project aims to revitalize the Pasig River while enhancing its economic potential through tourism and improved transportation connectivity. The Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) has successfully opened the 500-meter showcase area at the back of the Manila Central Post Office up to the entrance of Intramuros near Plaza Mexico. It now attracts both local residents and international tourists, breathing new life into this historically significant waterway.
The Pasay City Staging Area is also another completed pilot project on urban renewal. Closely being supervised by undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III, this project ensures that there is no displacement of informal settler families applying for 4PH. The staging area is complete with amenities like playground, commercial stalls and a day care center.
PLANADO Program
In February 2024, DHSUD also launched its Plan and Do or PLANADO Program (supervised by undersecretary Henry Yap), designed to enhance land use planning and urban development throughout the country. This strategic initiative aims to achieve zero backlog on Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) by 2028 while promoting sustainable urban growth for future generations. The program focuses on streamlining and digitalizing land use processes to foster smart, green, resilient, and inclusive human settlements.
Institutional Accomplishments
From January to September 2024, the Department has issued license to sell (LS) to 367 projects. This equates to a total of 143,301 residential units. The issuance of LS protects homebuyers from unscrupulous developers and transactions since it requires the conformance of these projects with the prescribed standards.
On urban development, the Department processed a cumulative data of 138 Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and Provincial Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP) for sustainable and resilient human settlements. 58 CLUPs and four PDPFPs were approved, while 65 CLUPs and 11 PDPFPs are for finalization, adoption and approval.
Meanwhile, 26,307 registered homeowners’ associations, 224 federations and 36 confederations are registered and monitored around the country as of September 2024.
Challenges
Despite facing numerous challenges related to funding requirements and bureaucratic processes throughout its initiatives, Acuzar remains steadfast in his commitment to turning these obstacles into opportunities for growth and improvement. “The government alone cannot resolve decades-old housing issues; we must find innovative ways to expedite processes and maximize resources,” he explained.
As we reflect on 2024, it is evident that DHSUD has established itself as a proactive force not only in addressing immediate housing needs but also in enhancing urban resilience and disaster preparedness. The Department’s multifaceted approach sets a strong foundation for future developments aimed at creating sustainable communities across the Philippines. With ambitious plans to construct six million housing units by 2028 under the 4PH program, DHSUD is committed to transforming lives and fostering hope for millions of Filipinos seeking safe and secure homes
