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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider At 22, SHFC proves inclusive housing can reshape communities

At 22, SHFC proves inclusive housing can reshape communities

Published Jan 21, 2026 06:52 pm

At A Glance

  • SHFC marks its 22nd anniversary, proving people-led and high-density housing can reshape communities.
  • Key programs include the Community Mortgage Program, high-density and resettlement projects, and vertical housing developments in Pampanga, Davao, Misamis Oriental, and Manila.
  • Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP) secures land tenure for thousands, with over 900 beneficiaries receiving Certificates of Lot Award in 2025.
  • SHFC plans to accelerate project approvals and strengthen partnerships in 2026 to expand inclusive homeownership.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa, awards Certificates of Lot Award to beneficiaries of the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP). (Photo courtesy of SHFC
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa, awards Certificates of Lot Award to beneficiaries of the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP). (Photo courtesy of SHFC
The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) marked its 22nd anniversary by proving that people-led and high-density housing solutions can deliver measurable impact for low-income and informal settler families.
SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa said the agency’s expanding portfolio shows how social housing programs are being transformed into tangible homes and safer communities.
The agency’s roots date to the early 1980s, when the community mortgage concept was first piloted in Cebu, allowing organized communities to collectively secure land.
This model was later institutionalized under Republic Act 7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.
The law established the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) as the government’s flagship people-driven housing initiative.
In 2004, Executive Order No. 272 formally created SHFC as the lead agency for socialized housing.
It tasked the agency to provide accessible, community-based financing that empowers informal settlers and low-income families to build and own their homes.
Over the years, SHFC expanded beyond CMP with programs addressing national development priorities.
These include high-density housing for families along Metro Manila waterways and danger zones, the SIMPLE Program for resettling families in Intramuros, and housing support for households displaced by infrastructure projects and the Marawi siege.
People’s Ville in Calinan District, Davao City, is one of SHFC’s vertical housing projects delivering high-density, community-driven homes under government housing programs. (Photo courtesy of SHFC)
People’s Ville in Calinan District, Davao City, is one of SHFC’s vertical housing projects delivering high-density, community-driven homes under government housing programs. (Photo courtesy of SHFC)
To meet growing urban housing demand, SHFC developed vertical housing projects such as Crystal Peak Estates in Pampanga, People’s Ville in Davao City, Valley View Township in Misamis Oriental, and Port Town in Manila.
These projects maximize limited land while ensuring access to essential services and livelihood opportunities.
In July 2025, SHFC launched the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), a more flexible alternative to CMP.
The program has approved 36 projects and secured land tenure for over 6,200 families within months.
Its success was highlighted during the October 2025 National Housing Expo, where President Marcos awarded Certificates of Lot Award to more than 900 beneficiaries from five ECMP communities.
“We are on track in implementing our housing programs, particularly the ECMP, to help more families secure the land they occupy,” Laxa said.
“This reaffirms our commitment to providing safe, secure, and inclusive housing where beneficiaries can build better lives,” he added.
Looking ahead to 2026, SHFC said it will accelerate approvals, strengthen partnerships with local governments and stakeholders, and sustain innovations to make homeownership attainable for unserved and underserved families.

Related Tags

SHFC inclusive housing Community Mortgage Program high-density housing President Marcos
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