High-density program expands housing options for informal settlers

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has added a high-density housing (HDH) component to its flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, aiming to provide more housing opportunities for informal settler families (ISFs) in congested urban areas.

Under Department Order 2025-021, issued on December 9, HDH will be formally integrated into the expanded 4PH initiative to help address challenges posed by limited land and a growing urban population, particularly in highly urbanized cities.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the move is expected to accelerate the delivery of resilient and decent homes for ISFs. “With the inclusion of high-density housing in the Expanded 4PH Program, it will open more opportunities for our informal settler families to have homes of their own,” he said.

The HDH strategy involves redeveloping targeted areas into multistory residential buildings that can house large numbers of families. Projects may be implemented through in-city or near-site relocation or via land-sharing arrangements.

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) will lead the implementation, focusing on ISF households living in danger zones and waterways in highly urbanized areas of the National Capital Region. SHFC will work closely with community associations to identify and prioritize qualified beneficiaries, with local groups validating the list of ISFs covered by the program.

Aliling added that previous high-density housing initiatives have shown positive outcomes, prompting refinements in policies to strengthen future implementation.