Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) have signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) to institutionalize the guidelines and procedures enabling the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) household-beneficiaries to access the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
Both the DSWD and the DHSUD called the collaboration “a milestone in strengthening inter-agency collaboration to support families transitioning out of 4Ps.”
Social Welfare Sec. Rex Gatchalian emphasized that this initiative represents the full transformation of 4Ps households from welfare to self-reliance.
“Ang araw na ito ay patunay na ang 4Ps ay isang development program. Bukod sa may trabaho na dahil sa sarili nilang sikap, yung mga anak nila nakakapasok na sa school dahil sa grants at health intervention, ngayon nasa huling yugto na tayo ng kwento. Magkakabahay na kayo, talagang sa inyo na, at hindi na kailangang umupa. Kumpleto na natin yung istorya,” the DSWD chief said in his message.
The 4PH murang pabahay units are intended for 4Ps households who have reached self-sufficiency—those who can sustain monthly amortization payments.
Through this, the government aims to instill a deeper sense of responsibility among beneficiaries, reinforcing that the program is not merely a handout but a pathway to empowerment and dignity.
“Ang pagkakaroon ng sariling bahay ay hindi lamang benepisyo, ito ay responsibilidad. Ipinapakita ng partnership na ito na ang mga pamilyang nagtagumpay sa 4Ps ay handa nang tumayo sa sariling paa. Hindi ito simpleng pamimigay, kundi paghubog ng disiplina, dignidad, at pananagutan—mga haligi ng tunay na pag-unlad,” Gatchalian pointed out.
Under the JMC, the two agencies committed to creating a Technical Working Group (TWG) that will oversee the operationalization of the program. The DSWD will identify, profile, and endorse eligible 4Ps households to DHSUD and partner local government units (LGUs), as well as conduct social preparation to ensure their readiness to avail of housing opportunities.
Meanwhile, DHSUD will design suitable housing modalities based on the beneficiaries’ capacity and resources and facilitate financing arrangements in coordination with Pag-IBIG Fund and other housing finance institutions.
On Monday, Gatchalian, together with Secretary Jose Aliling, personally turned over housing units to three 4Ps beneficiaries, symbolizing the integration of social protection and shelter support.
Since its launch in 2008 and institutionalization through Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps has served as the government’s flagship poverty reduction strategy, investing in the health, nutrition, and education of children from poor households.
The 4PH, on the other hand, is the government’s primary shelter program aimed at addressing the housing needs of the low-income and working-class sectors.
