4PH: Allowing more access to adequate and affordable housing

The aspiration to own a decent shelter is a shared dream among Filipinos. Many are willing to toil tirelessly, even overseas, to finally secure a home for their families. However, the stark reality is far from this ideal scenario. For some, they feel that they absolutely have no chance to cherish this basic human right of shelter.

To illustrate this, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) a few years ago categorized over 1.5 million families as “informal settlers,” with nearly half a million enduring substandard living conditions in the National Capital Region. The situation worsened with the onset of the global pandemic, leaving people unemployed and their small businesses in ruins.

This alarming scenario has compelled the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to issue a warning: if action is not taken to address the current housing backlog of 6.5 million units, this number could swell to a staggering 22 million units by 2040. The implications of such a scenario are scary, with negative effects on peace and order, potentially hindering the country’s progress toward upper-middle-income status.
To avert any potential crises rooted from homelessness, the Marcos administration has laid the groundwork for a stronger program that will, once and for all, address the housing issue head on. In fact, last year, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar unveiled a long-term housing program called “Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino” or “4PH.”

The 4PH program has a clear mission — to build one million housing units annually, totaling six million housing units within the administration’s six-year term. It receives support from Senate Bill No. 2108, also known as the “Act Institutionalizing the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program,” authored by Senator Bong Go. The bill emphasizes the program’s significance, as it aims to “create a holistic initiative that can provide adequate and affordable housing to several families who lack decent housing.”

The DHSUD has taken an active role by establishing a technical working group (TWG) tasked with harmonizing all efforts to provide decent housing for impoverished and low-income families, particularly those residing in Metro Manila and other urban areas, and those living near danger zones, such as on river banks and coastal areas. The TWG includes representatives from the Urban Poor Action Committee (UPAC), National Housing Authority, and Social Housing Finance Corporation.

“The creation of this TWG is in response to the clamor of urban poor groups. It will primarily focus on issues that remain unresolved for decades now. I can see complexities in the concerns but by uniting and helping each other, we can find ways to appropriately address gaps in the sector,” said Acuzar.
This early, the President has recognized that addressing the housing crisis requires a “whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach.” He took a significant step in this direction by signing Executive Order No. 34 a few months ago, which declared the 4PH as the administration’s flagship housing initiative for the poor.

With the dedicated efforts of the DHSUD, the legislative support from the Senate, and the strong backing of the President, the 4PH sets itself up with high expectations. Historical obstacles that seemed insurmountable will hopefully be hurdled. Those in need will soon find homes that are not only adequate and affordable but also nurturing environments where they can start building a family and contribute ably to the community.

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