Manila: More private partners are now willing to participate in the nationwide rollout of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program due to simplified processes and improved credibility, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said.

According to Philippines News Agency, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling cited the gains of the flagship housing program after its recalibration and expansion as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly Pag-IBIG Fund's move to pursue exclusive 4PH programs covering socialized housing.

"With the approved exclusive 4PH programs by the Pag-IBIG Fund, we can expect more active private sector participation and simplified processes for our beneficiaries. Hence, a more inclusive and sustainable program," Aliling said as quoted in a news release on Tuesday.

The revitalized and increasing private sector participation in the Expanded 4PH reflects growing trust in DHSUD's leadership and credibility. Aliling noted that private stakeholders are more willing to engage when there is clarity and fairness in government programs.

Upon his assumption as housing secretary, Aliling laid out the DHSUD 8-Point Agenda in compliance with the President's vision for an inclusive, responsive, and sustainable housing sector. Among his first directives as DHSUD chief were the expansion of 4PH to include horizontal developments to offer options to home buyers other than vertical housing, and attract more private developers, particularly those involved in the production of socialized housing, to participate, and the streamlining of processes.

Aliling also highlighted his zero tolerance for corruption and his advocacy for transparency and accountability. At least 42 private developers have committed more than 250,000 units to the Expanded 4PH after the inclusion of horizontal developments or subdivision-like housing projects into the flagship program. Other modalities like rental and incremental housing are also being studied under the Expanded 4PH.