THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), under Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance housing, urban development and community sustainability across the Philippines.

Central to this mission are flagship initiatives such as the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project and the Planado Program — all aligned with the socioeconomic agenda of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s administration.

Marcos has expressed strong support for DHSUD's efforts, highlighting the programs' alignment with his administration's vision for organized and well-planned settlements under the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) initiative.

'Pambansang Pabahay' program gains traction

Since its inception in 2022, the 4PH Program has garnered substantial support and investment, reflecting its critical role in addressing the country's housing needs.

Acuzar emphasizes the program's impact, stating, "The 4PH Program is pivotal in our efforts to provide affordable housing solutions to Filipinos, supported by robust partnerships with government agencies and private stakeholders."

Equally important, it has bolstered private sector confidence, made possible with unwavering support and coordination from Congress, national agencies, government financial institutions, local government units and key shelter agencies under DHSUD's purview.

Additionally, the Social Housing Finance Corp. and the National Housing Authority has secured P13 billion in revolving credit lines from Pag-IBIG Fund, aimed at accelerating the construction of housing units under the 4PH banner.

Legislative support and strategic initiatives

The future of the 4PH remains hopeful as champions from Congress, national agencies and local government units have rallied their support through agreements, partnerships and pledges.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has affirmed Congress's commitment, stating, "We, along with House Appropriations Committee chairman and Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy Co, agreed to source P10 billion for next year as interest support for the flagship program."

In April, the implementation of Executive Order 34 has further streamlined the 4PH Program's execution, marking a milestone in its governance framework. Acuzar, alongside key government officials including Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Land Registration Authority Administrator Gerardo Sirios, has signed the implementing rules and regulations, enhancing operational clarity and efficiency.

Public-Private partnerships and local collaboration

The 4PH Program thrives on robust public-private partnerships and local collaboration, ensuring inclusive development across regions. Partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and private developers are crucial in scaling up housing projects and ensuring equitable access to decent housing.

Another boost to the 4PH Program is President's Administrative Order 21, which directed the entire bureaucracy to ensure the optimal use of government lands in support of national development goals.

Meanwhile, increasing interest from private partners, particularly contractors and developers, has accelerated the nationwide rollout of 4PH in recent months.

The 4PH Program also strives to innovate ways to sustain its implementation while protecting the interests of stakeholders, including beneficiaries.

To mitigate displacement risks during project implementation, DHSUD has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Pasay City local government and the Manila International Airport Authority for the establishment of staging areas. These areas serve as models for future urban renewal projects, ensuring minimal disruption to local communities.

With the establishment of the staging area, no beneficiary families will be displaced while construction of their new homes within their host city under the 4PH Program is ongoing. This approach will be replicated in other areas as necessary, aiming to minimize the impact of project development stages.

All these efforts have contributed to the current progress of the 4PH Program, with more than 40 projects in various stages of development and construction nationwide. The 4PH Project Management Office has also reported interest from over 200 LGUs to participate in the 4PH.

Revitalizing Pasig River

Marcos' commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in the PBMM Project — a comprehensive effort to rehabilitate the historic Pasig River.

The President and the first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos seek to transform the waterway into a people-centric economic and tourism hub while enhancing transportation connectivity in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.

The project has already achieved significant milestones, including the development of public parks and commercial spaces along the riverbanks. Its phased approach ensures sustainable development over the next 3 to 5 years, with support from national agencies and local communities.

The PBBM Project has been formally unveiled on January 17 with none other than the President and the first lady leading the launch of the showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office — instantly becoming one of the favorite stops for locals and tourists.

The showcase area, spanning almost 500 meters, has been a part of the initial phase of the project. It now serves as a public park, consisting of a pedestrian friendly walkway on a concrete platform, equipped with a water fountain and accented by lighting and sitting areas that also serve as an open-air venue for events.

Just 5 months later, in June, the second phase of the PBBM has been inaugurated, marking the development of another 250-meter stretch connecting the initial showcase area to Plaza Mexico in Intramuros. Among the highlights of Phase 1C are the commercial spaces, accented by a water fountain and a view deck.

The second phase of the nine-phase rehabilitation project now stretches to the Intramuros area, which, according to Acuzar, will further boost tourism for the nation's capital. The project has an estimated completion timeline of 3 to 5 years.

DHSUD joins forces for a greener Philippines

In a collaborative effort toward environmental sustainability, DHSUD has partnered with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), DILG and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the launch of the Local Government Support Fund-Green Green Green Program.

Led by DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the event has garnered support from key stakeholders, including environmental advocate Sen. Loren Legarda, MMDA Chairman Don Artes and Philippine Reclamation Authority Chairman Alex Lopez.

The initiative has drawn participation from various local chief executives from Metro Manila and different provinces, underscoring a united commitment to foster sustainable urban development.

Acuzar articulated the department's endorsement of the program, aligning it with the vision for greener, smarter and sustainable township developments under Marcos' flagship 4PH Program.

DHSUD reaffirms its commitment to integrate environmental resilience into urban planning and development. This initiative marks a crucial step towards creating vibrant and eco-friendly communities across the Philippines.

The event has also highlighted the pivotal roles of DHSUD's Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) and Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Service, represented by Director Mylene Rivera and Director Mario Mallari respectively.

Their presence has underscored DHSUD's proactive stance in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing public awareness of environmental stewardship.

'Plan and Do' with the Planado Program

Complementing the 4PH Program, DHSUD has launched the Planado Program to streamline urban planning processes and promote sustainable development practices.

Planado is "a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing land use planning and fostering resilient communities."

The program, launched in February in Cebu City, focuses on achieving zero backlog in Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) by 2028 and promoting smart, green and inclusive urban development under the administration's Bagong Pilipinas initiative.

It has garnered support from LGUs and various stakeholders, highlighting its role in shaping future urban landscapes.

Embodying a holistic approach to DHSUD's mandate on human settlements and urban development, Planado provides a comprehensive framework for expediting the development of responsive and user-friendly land use plans, aligned with regional, national and sectoral development plans as reflected in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028.

Marcos has conveyed his utmost support and appreciation to DHSUD for its unwavering commitment to enhance land use planning and urban development through the Planado Program, touting it as a strategic response to the goal of establishing "organized and well-planned settlements" as envisioned under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.

Planado is being rolled out nationwide, with DHSUD regional offices spearheading activities in localities.

Meanwhile, DHSUD National Capital Region (NCR), led by Officer in Charge Regional Director Norman Jacinto Doral and through ELUPDD, recently concluded the Planado Program Rollout, Planners Forum and Zoning Conference in Quezon City on July 11, 2024.

The event's highlight has been the Ceremonial Signing of Commitment to support the Planado Program. With the goal of streamlining and digitalizing national land use planning, Acuzar has urged LGUs, NCR regional line agencies, the academe and the private sector to back Plandao for smart, resilient and inclusive urban development.

DHSUD Undersecretary Henry Yap has stressed sustainable urban development's importance in creating plans, benefiting not just the NCR, but the entire country.

Director Rivera has outlined the urban landscape, the program's necessity and strategies for aligning Planado with other government and private initiatives for synergy.

Artes and DILG NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes Agustin has also voiced their agencies' support.

Esteemed speakers such as Dina Magnaye from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning, Priscella Mejillano from MetroPlanado and Assistant Director Ibani Padao of ELUPDB have shared insights on NCR's land use zoning and urban development policies.

This Planado Program Rollout marks the first step toward greater development for NCR.

Consultation for resilient urban design and green space development

DHSUD took a proactive step towards enhancing urban sustainability by hosting a consultation session on June 19, 2024.

Led by the ELUPDB, in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners NCR North Chapter, the event focuses on refining the Guidelines on Resilient Urban Design and Green and Open Space Development.

The consultation, held at the Luxent Hotel, has gathered insights from over 70 urban planning and design experts, practitioners and stakeholders. Participants included representatives from LGUs such as Manila City, Quezon City, Butuan City, Mandaue City, Carmona City, General Santos City and Tarlac Province as well as national government agencies, legislative committees, academia, professional organizations and civil society groups. Their input aims to enrich the draft guidelines, which are integral to the PlanSmart for Sustainable Human Settlements Project.

By integrating green and open spaces into CLUPs and Zoning Ordinances, the proposed guidelines aim to build cities that are not only environmentally sustainable, but also resilient to future challenges.

The consultation also received support from legislative bodies, including the House of Representatives Committees on Housing, Urban Development and Public Works.

Sustaining momentum and future outlook

Only halfway through the year, DHSUD has managed to sustain positive momentum nationwide. However, the department is far from relaxing as its next steps include delegating key officials down to the grassroots level to engage and attract more partners, particularly LGUs.

With an out of the box and innovative approach, DHSUD is well on its way to further strengthen its commitment to the Filipino people, especially in addressing local concerns and issues in the actual execution on the ground of its key programs.

The task, entrusted to DHSUD by the President, is both inspiring and demanding. DHSUD's dedication to this cause underscores its vital role in shaping the future of urban living and ensuring that no citizen is left behind.

As with any challenge, the journey toward this vision must be carefully paved to help contribute to the noble goal of providing each Filipino with a home of their own.

DHSUD's focus remains on delivering tangible benefits to Filipino communities, guided by innovation and strategic partnerships.

"I have instructed several undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors to now focus on the grassroots level to sustain the nationwide implementation of 4PH and all our key programs, and to enable the department to focus more on expeditious implementation," Acuzar says.

With ongoing legislative support and strategic initiatives such as Planado and PBBM, DHSUD aims to enhance urban living standards and community resilience nationwide.