More than shelters, this is about empowerment. When we give a home to a family, we give them stability and dignity.—Jose Rizalino Acuzar, DHSUD Secretary
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Friday cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program as the cornerstone of the government’s efforts to empower Filipinos thru decent housing.
In a simple celebration, DHSUD marked its six years of service with the theme: “Six Years of Empowering Lives: Building Homes, Building Futures for Every Filipino Family,” underscoring the Department’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to safe, decent, and affordable shelters.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin served as the guest of honor and speaker during the event where he underscored DHSUD’s contribution to the whole-of-nation approach of the Marcos administration in addressing homelessness in the country.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar stressed in his message that 4PH is more than just a housing initiative—it is a transformative program aimed at uplifting the lives of Filipino families and communities.
“More than shelters, this is about empowerment. When we give a home to a family, we give them stability and dignity. May lugar na kung saan ligtas na mangangarap ang kanilang mga anak at may matibay na pundasyon na ang kanilang kinabukasan,” the housing czar said.
Over the past years, DHSUD has made significant strides in making affordable and inclusive housing accessible to Filipinos.
“Nagsimula na ang turnover natin ng housing units sa mga 4ph projects sa Palayan at Bacolod. Tuloy-tuloy na po ito sa mga susunod pang mga araw… habang tuluy-tuloy din ang construction at development ng iba pang 4ph projects all over the country,” shared the Secretary.
Apart from taking the lead in the administration’s flagship housing program, the Department also plays a crucial role in urban development and disaster resilience as evidenced by the ongoing developments in the Pasig River Esplanade through its Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project and its continuous granting of aid to disaster-affected families through the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP).
“Beyond the numbers, what truly matters are the lives we have touched. Every home we build is a story of hope. Every community we develop is a promise of a better tomorrow,” Secretary Acuzar said as he looked back on the sector’s accomplishments.
He likewise recognized the dedication and efforts of the Department’s officials and employees as he thanked and further enjoined them to remain steadfast and continue supporting the President in his Bagong Pilipinas vision—a more progressive and inclusive nation.
“Lahat po ng ito ay nakamit natin dahil sa dedikasyon at pagsusumikap ng bawat isa sa atin. Kaya naman, sa lahat ng DHSUD officials at employees, tanggapin po ninyo ang aking lubos na pasasalamat! Panawagan ko na patuloy tayong magdoble-kayod sa pagsusulong sa adhikain ng ating mahal na pangulong bongbong marcos jr para sa mas maunlad at mas matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
Founded on 14 February 2019, DHSUD commemorated its 6th anniversary with a series of activities including a thanksgiving mass, ceremonial MOA signings, manual launching, and various awarding and recognition. –ABJ