Socialized housing eyed for 4Ps beneficiaries

MANILA, Philippines — The government is planning to expand the socialized housing program to include beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.

The plan was raised during a meeting on Thursday between officials of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian discussed ways on how to assist DSWD beneficiaries, including those in the 4Ps and street dwellers. They also talked about modalities under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino or 4PH program that will suit their requirement,” the DHSUD said in a statement.

The housing agency said the initiative is in line with President Marcos’ directive to prioritize the “poorest of the poor” in the government’s housing program.

During the meeting, Aliling proposed data sharing with the DSWD, particularly the list of beneficiaries who need housing support, either through transition shelters or permanent housing.

“We want to make sure that we will have sustainable programs for the poorest of the poor. The support we will get from (the) DSWD will boost our efforts to help the beneficiaries,” Aliling said.

He said that aside from building houses, the DHSUD intends to provide dignified living to beneficiaries of the expanded 4PH “to inspire them to become productive citizens and proud homeowners.”

Gatchalian said the DSWD is open to collaborate with the DHSUD in providing shelter assistance to beneficiaries of various social welfare programs, particularly those in the 4Ps list.