The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) marked its 5th anniversary with a series of events and initiatives that underscore its commitment to providing safe, resilient, and affordable housing to Filipinos, with a particular focus on the underprivileged. This milestone was celebrated under the banner of “LIgtas at MAtibay na masisilungan para sa bawat Pilipino” (Safe and Strong Shelter for Every Filipino).
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar led the inaugural program at the Central Office, with key figures including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Senator JV Ejercito attending as guests. The theme of the anniversary highlights the Department’s vision of establishing secure housing that is financially attainable for its beneficiaries.
Secretary Acuzar highlighted the Department’s significant strides in advancing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, along with the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Project, an urban renewal initiative supported by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
“We are inching closer to our goal under 4PH – all thanks to the coordination and support of our KSAs, local government units and the private sector, and other stakeholders,” Secretary Acuzar said. “We have taken significant steps toward fulfilling our goal to provide Filipinos, especially the poorest of the poor, with decent shelters and improved quality of living.”
With approximately 36 projects in various stages of development across the nation, the goal of providing quality housing is steadily becoming a reality, bolstered by growing partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector.
As part of the anniversary, DHSUD officials took an oath as members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, reflecting a partnership with the Coast Guard. The event also featured the inauguration of a Pag-IBIG Fund satellite office at the DHSUD Central Office Building to serve more members in Metro Manila and the swearing-in of the new board trustee, Maria Lourdes D. Doria-Velarde.
The anniversary activities included the presentation of commemorative stamps with PhilPost, the awarding of the ISO 9001:2015 Certification, the launching of the KSA Dashboard, and the signing of Codified Rules of DHSUD. Moreover, a memorandum of understanding with DPWH for a potential joint undertaking was slated for signing.
DHSUD regional offices nationwide organized various activities to engage with stakeholders at the national and local levels, reinforcing the Department’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Filipino families through well-planned community developments.
“Let me once again assure you of the DHSUD and its partner agencies’ commitment to improve the lives of every Filipino family through safe, resilient, and affordable human settlements in well-planned communities,” Secretary Acuzar concluded.