Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling (File photo: DHSUD)
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said Friday, Dec. 12, that it would add more housing options for informal settler families (ISFs) through a high-density housing (HDH) component that will be integrated into the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said this would open more in-city and near-site relocation options for ISFs living along major waterways in Metro Manila.
The integration was outlined in Department Order 2025-021 signed on Dec. 9 and issued by Aliling.
Under the said order, the DHSUD integrates the HDH component under the Expanded 4PH Program “to address the challenges posed by limited land availability and high urban density.”
The HDH is a redevelopment strategy focusing on accommodating a significant number of ISFs in multi-storey residential buildings, which may be implemented either by an in-city or near-site relocation or a land-sharing arrangement.
Aliling said the move gives the administration’s flagship housing program “a huge boost” as vertical redevelopment provides a realistic path for low-income families to secure durable homes within cities.
“By including high-density housing in the Expanded 4PH Program, it will open more opportunities for our informal settler families to have homes of their own,” Aliling shared.
Further, he said the approach supports safe and sustainable living conditions for communities long exposed to flooding and other hazards.
The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), one of DSHUD’s attached agencies, will lead project implementation, working with community associations to identify and validate qualified beneficiaries.
Families residing in danger zones in highly urbanized cities of Metro Manila will be prioritized.
The SHFC will also coordinate with organized community groups to streamline site selection, land-sharing arrangements, and relocation plans. The associations are expected to help vet potential beneficiaries to ensure fair and accurate inclusion.
Aliling said previous HDH projects have shown that vertical housing can be successfully adopted by ISF communities when supported by clear policies and strong coordination.
“Many families have already seen their lives change because of high-density housing. We see now how it greatly helps in building more decent homes that support a dignified way of living,” he noted.