The Construction Project Management Association of the Philippines (CPMAP) expressed its full support for the zero-tolerance policy against corruption of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.
CPMAP, led by president Eduardo Hitosis, noted Secretary Aliling’s strong stance on corruption amid ongoing controversies surrounding government flood control projects.
“We, the members of the Construction Project Management Association of the Philippines, expressed our full support to DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling’s active advocacy against corruption — both in the government and private sector,” the CPMAP said in a statement.
“Your head-on and straightforward stand against this social cancer is an inspiration to us — a reminder that there is still hope for our nation and there are still clean and committed public servants,” it said.
Known in the construction industry as a true advocate of good governance, Aliling on Wednesday told private developers in a public speech that corruption, “even in the slightest form,” should not be tolerated by both the government and the private sector. He rallied them to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption campaign.
Beyond its support for the housing czar, the CPMAP vowed to collaborate with the DHSUD and the government.
“For us, your statement that ‘Even 1 percent of corruption is unacceptable’ is a call to action. It sends an unequivocal message that the housing and real estate sector is in good hands. With you at the helm, we commit to partner with DHSUD and work hand-in-hand with the government,” the group said.
Aliling introduced reforms under the department’s 8-Point Agenda in compliance with the President’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of proactive and people-centric governance.
These reforms include a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, streamlining processes, digitalization, and recalibration and expansion of the flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
The reforms instantly drew support from stakeholders, with at least 42 private developers committing more than 250,000 housing units under the expanded 4PH. Various urban poor groups and civil society organizations were also engaged as part of Secretary Aliling’s transformative and participative leadership.
Prior to his appointment as DHSUD chief, Aliling was one of the most respected construction managers in the country. He is the sole recipient of the Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Civil Engineering and the first recipient of the DLSU-Lasallian Achievement Award for Civil Engineering, and he became the youngest president of the CPMAP.
