SHFC at 21: Building lives, transforming communities

For 21 years, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has been a beacon of hope for Filipinos in need of safe and affordable housing. Established on January 20, 2004, through Executive Order No. 272, SHFC has consistently addressed the nation’s housing challenges with innovative and community-driven solutions.

Empowering Communities through Key Initiatives

SHFC has pioneered transformative programs like the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), Abot Kaya Pabahay Fund Program, High-Density Housing Program (HDH), and the recent Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. These initiatives underscore SHFC’s mission to make homeownership accessible to underserved communities.

The corporation also plays a crucial role in national development initiatives, including the Marawi Shelter Project, the North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project (NSCR-Ex), and the Strategy for the Inclusive Mainstreaming of People’s Living Entitlements (SIMPLE) Program.

A Strategic Role in Bridging the Housing Gap

People’s Ville will provide safe housing for over 7,000 families in Davao City.

In 2022, under the leadership of Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) launched the 4PH Program, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., to close the 6.5 million housing gap. SHFC has been a key player in this endeavor, driving developments like People’s Ville in Calinan, Davao City, where 168 Notices of Approval for Pag-IBIG loans are ready for issuance. An additional 1,000 units are expected by early 2025, addressing the region’s housing demand.

In Pampanga’s Crystal Peak Estates, the first building with over 300 units is ready for turnover, while three more buildings will accommodate 1,000 households by the first quarter of 2025.

Construction at Crystal Peak Estates in San Fernando City, Pampanga is in full swing, with four buildings comprising about 1,000 units expected to be turned over to beneficiaries in the coming months.

Scaling Up: 4PH in Action

SHFC currently oversees 12 active 4PH projects, including Valley View Township in Misamis Oriental, Tandikan Ville in Puerto Princesa, and Port Town in Tondo, Manila. These developments form part of the government’s target to deliver over 505,000 housing units by 2028.

In 2024, SHFC broke ground on notable projects like Pascualer 7 and Pascualer 10 in Quezon City, and another 4PH development in Los Baños, Laguna. These vertical housing solutions are designed to address land scarcity and urban sprawl.

“Our focus on vertical shelters is a practical approach to address housing backlogs while managing rapid urbanization,” said SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa. “We remain committed to scaling up our efforts and delivering results through strategic partnerships.”

Delivering Results and Building Resilience

Between January and November 2024, SHFC released approximately Php 5 billion to finance housing programs, benefiting over 3,700 families. To date, SHFC has disbursed more than Php 36.6 billion to fund 3,200 community-driven projects nationwide.

In November 2024, SHFC achieved significant milestones, including the turnover of 165 housing units to the Intramuros Community Homeowners Association, Inc., through the SIMPLE Program. Additionally, 148 Certificates of Award were granted to Alpas Phase 1 HOA beneficiaries under the HDH program, along with 60 land titles distributed to eight CMP communities in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

“This is a legacy for future generations,” Laxa noted. “The tenurial security provided by our projects empowers families to build brighter futures for their children.”

SHFC will soon break ground on NSCR-Ex projects in Naic, Cavite, delivering 4,000 units, and is preparing for the turnover of Rizal Ville in Calamba, Laguna, which will house over 2,100 families displaced by infrastructure development.

A Commitment to Collaboration and Progress

SHFC has forged agreements with local government units (LGUs) to advance 4PH projects. Notable collaborations in 2024 include Pulilan, Bulacan, and Cagayan de Oro City.

“These partnerships are vital,” Laxa emphasized. “LGUs bring invaluable insights into local housing needs, demographics, and challenges, enabling us to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.”

SHFC’s support extends beyond housing. Following disasters like Super Typhoon Carina, SHFC provided moratoriums on loan payments and conducted relief operations, showcasing its commitment to resilience and community welfare.

Building a Legacy of Hope and Transformation

By May 2024, SHFC had contributed Php 63.92 million in dividends to the National Treasury, reflecting its dedication to national welfare. These efforts affirm SHFC’s commitment to fostering empowerment, resilience, and shared responsibility.

“Our mission goes beyond providing houses,” Laxa said. “We aim to create thriving communities where families feel empowered and supported.”

As SHFC continues to meet challenges head-on, it remains steadfast in its mission of building lives and transforming communities, ensuring every Filipino has a place to call home.

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