Manila: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has expanded the housing choices for informal settler families (ISFs) by integrating a high-density housing (HDH) component into the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. Under Department Order 2025-021 issued on Dec. 9, DHSUD formally adopted HDH as part of the flagship housing initiative to help address constraints posed by limited land supply and growing urban population, particularly in highly urbanized areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the inclusion of HDH is expected to accelerate the delivery of resilient and decent homes for ISFs, especially those residing in congested communities. 'Sa pagkakasama ng high-density housing sa Expanded 4PH Program, magbubukas ito ng mas maraming oportunidad na magkasariling bahay ang mga kababayan nating informal settler families (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 the redevelopment of targeted areas into multistory residential buildings that can accommodate a large number of families. Projects may be carried out through in-city or near-site relocation or via land-sharing arrangements.

Implementation of the HDH component will be led by the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), focusing on ISF households living in danger zones and waterways within highly urbanized cities of the National Capital Region. SHFC will coordinate closely with community associations to ensure proper identification and prioritization of qualified beneficiaries. Community groups, in turn, are expected to help validate the list of ISFs who will be covered by the project.

Aliling said the agency has seen positive outcomes from previous high-density housing initiatives, prompting refinements in policies to further strengthen implementation.