The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) kicked off its week-long housing fair at the DHSUD Central office in Quezon City, marking the start of National Shelter Month 2024 (NSM 2024). The event, running from October 7 to 11, is part of DHSUD’s efforts to bring together its key shelter agencies (KSAs) and private sector partners to promote accessible housing and sustainable communities.
This year’s theme, “Matibay na Tahanan, Matatag na Komunidad Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” stressed the administration’s goal of providing safe, decent yet affordable housing and sustainable urban renewal under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the PLANADO (Plan & Do) Program and the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project.
Visitors to the housing fair can explore a variety of services from agencies such as the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), National Housing Authority (NHA), Human Settlements Adjudication Commission, and the Pag-IBIG Fund. Private companies are also showcasing their projects, providing a platform for potential homeowners to find suitable housing options.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, DHSUD officials and employees, along with its KSAs and guests from the private sector, gathered to celebrate the department’s commitment to providing durable homes and resilient communities.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar emphasized the importance of sustained engagements with all stakeholders to ensure collaboration between the public and private sectors, and further propel vibrancy in the housing and real estate industry through the three major programs of DHSUD. “Under these programs, we are not merely building houses, we are transforming communities into resilient and sustainable living spaces with utmost consideration to the protection of the environment, and we are improving the way of life of our people,” Secretary Acuzar stated. “Sa ilalim ng mga programang ito, isusulong natin ang mga ‘Pamayanang Bago para sa Bagong Mamamayan’ na may malasakit sa kapwa, sa kapaligiran at sa bayan.”
Avelino Tolentino III, DHSUD Undersecretary, rallied all stakeholders to align efforts in helping realize the dream of every Filipino family to have a house of their own. “Big words and an even bigger task, I must say, and many challenges remain along our way. But we have to be bold in pursuing 4PH to address homelessness,” Undersecretary Tolentino said. “That is why, we call on everyone in the sector to start turning these challenges into opportunities, and align all our efforts toward this shared goal of providing matitibay na tahanan, matatag na komunidad para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
In line with the observance of World Habitat Day, Undersecretary Randy Escolango, who heads the NSM 2024 technical working group, underscored the significance of the event. “This is to show that DHSUD is one with the global stakeholders in the promotion of sustainable and climate-resilient housing through active engagements,” Escolango said.
The week-long housing fair highlights the shared goal of building a stronger and more resilient nation, supporting the vision of “Bagong Pilipinas” through housing solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Filipino people.
