SHFC launches enhanced housing scheme, targets poor families

The Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) has launched an enhanced version of its Community Mortgage Program (CMP) for a more responsive, inclusive and transformative approach to housing solutions.

SHFC president and chief executive Federico Laxa signed the guidelines for the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (E-CMP) on July 28, 2025. The agency said the move marks a significant step in its efforts to deliver inclusive and community-driven housing under the expanded “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino” (4PH) program.

The reforms in the E-CMP align with the directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling to accelerate pro-poor and people-centered initiatives.

Designed to provide accessible, long-term financing for land acquisition, site development and tenure security, the E-CMP features simplified processes and clarified roles for key stakeholders. It supports both on-site and off-site resettlements and promotes stronger collaboration with local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other government agencies.

“This reflects our commitment to empowering more communities,” Laxa said, adding that SHFC’s CMP projects would be more transformative.

“Our goal is to continue guiding our communities even after the lot acquisition to help them build better lives and become empowered and productive citizens,” he said.

The signing of the E-CMP guidelines comes just before SHFC kicks off the celebration of the CMP’s 37th anniversary on Aug. 1. Launched in 1988, the CMP assists legally organized associations of low-income groups in acquiring and developing land under community ownership.

The SHFC said these enhancements would make the CMP more agile, people-centered and equipped to make a lasting impact on communities nationwide.

Aliling earlier approved the revival of 34 initial on-site CMP projects, which are expected to benefit over 5,000 member-beneficiaries.

SHFC said it is preparing to award lots in eight identified sites across Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, San Fernando City (Pampanga), Pasig City, Tanay (Rizal), Valenzuela, Iloilo City and Roxas City.