The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Wednesday marked the opening of National Shelter Month 2025 by highlighting key achievements under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the administration’s flagship housing initiative.

In his keynote address delivered by Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling underscored two major milestones that signaled progress in addressing the country’s housing needs.

The first was the approval of a memorandum of agreement with the University of the Philippines (UP), which will launch the pilot rental housing project for informal settler families (ISFs) within the UP Diliman campus.

“Umpisa pa lamang ito, mas marami pang rental housing projects ang ating isusulong alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. para sa pagsusulong nang buhay na mas may dignidad (This is just the beginning. More rental housing projects will be rolled out in line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure dignified living for all Filipinos),” Aliling said.

The second breakthrough was the forthcoming distribution of certificates of award to families who have lived for decades in areas covered by Presidential proclamations.

He noted this long-awaited move will provide “security of tenure and peace of mind” to thousands of families who have long occupied government-proclaimed lands.

With the theme “Build Homes, Build Happiness,” the DHSUD launched the month-long celebration at its Central Office with a program and the opening of exhibit booths.

The event also recognized regional offices that achieved “zero backlog” in regulatory tasks, while housing industry leaders expressed their support for the DHSUD’s vision.

Aliling said the National Shelter Month is both a reflection of progress and a call to sustain momentum.

“When we build homes, we strengthen our nation. When we build happiness, we fulfill the highest purpose of public service—uplifting lives and giving every Filipino family the future they deserve,” he added. (PNA)