New housing czar eyes subdivision-type projects
Metro Manila, Philippines - The incoming secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said he will include subdivision-type projects in the government housing program, a move that veers away from the condominium-focused approach of his predecessor.
In a news release on Tuesday, May 27, the DHSUD said its secretary, Jose Ramon Aliling, has promised to “recalibrate” the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program by including horizontal developments.
The move is seen to “attract more partners and expedite housing production,” the DHSUD said.
“We will prioritize the preparation of the 4PH guidelines for horizontal developments. In doing so, we can expect 4PH numbers to improve significantly,” he pointed out,” Aliling said in his speech after a ceremonial turnover on Monday.
Aliling also called for alignment of efforts with key shelter agencies, invited private developers to a monthly dialogue, and stressed his “zero tolerance” to corruption.
Former Secretary Jerry Acuzar was focused on vertical projects, or medium-rise buildings as housing projects that will be mainly in-city development to provide beneficiaries easier access to work, school, and other services.
It was a shift from the traditional horizontal housing projects to “maximize land use.”
At the start of Marcos administration, it vowed to deliver six million housing units. It was cut to half by the end term in 2028.
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Malacañang accepted Acuzar’s resignation for “under delivery.” He was reassigned as presidential adviser for Pasig River development with the rank of secretary.
