Building Lives, Not Just Houses
For over two decades, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has led the Philippines’ socialized housing movement, evolving from simply building homes to transforming entire communities.
Today, as SHFC celebrates its 22nd anniversary, it continues to support both formal and informal sectors through innovative housing initiatives under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
SHFC remains dedicated to providing affordable, resilient, and community-driven housing solutions for Filipino families. Its key programs include the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), a people-led housing finance and community development initiative which assists legally organized associations of low-income groups to acquire and develop a tract of land under the concept of community ownership.
The agency also undertakes special projects that advance national development, such as the High Density Housing Program for families in Metro Manila’s waterways and danger zones, and the Strategy for the Inclusive Mainstreaming of People’s Living Entitlements (SIMPLE) Program for resettling families in Intramuros, Manila.
It also provides housing assistance to families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project (NSCR-Ex) and those displaced by the Marawi siege.
Meanwhile, SHFC’s vertical 4PH projects, such as Crystal Peak Estates in San Fernando City, Pampanga, People’s Ville in Davao City, Valley View Township in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, and Port Town in Manila, represent a strategic response to the growing demand for affordable housing in highly urbanized areas. These multistory developments maximize limited land resources while ensuring access to essential services and livelihood opportunities.
From Vision to Reality
The story of SHFC is one of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting Filipino families. Its roots trace back to the early 1980s, when the community mortgage concept was first introduced in Cebu through the efforts of a development organization, with support from the national housing sector.
This pioneering initiative paved the way for the formal adoption of the Community Mortgage Program as the flagship for socialized housing under Republic Act 7279, the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, which first defined “socialized housing” in Philippine law.
In 2004, Executive Order No. 272 finally established SHFC as the lead agency for social housing, focusing on informal settlers and low-income families. Its clear mandate: provide accessible, community-driven financing and empower the urban poor to secure land and build their own homes.
Innovations That Changed the Landscape
SHFC has consistently embraced innovation. Guided by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), it has adapted to meet the evolving needs of the national housing agenda.
In July 2025, SHFC launched the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), a faster and more flexible alternative to the traditional CMP. Within months of its inception, 36 ECMP projects were approved, securing land tenure for over 6,200 families—demonstrating SHFC’s commitment to efficiency and inclusivity.
The impact of these programs was highlighted at the October 2025 National Housing Expo, where President Marcos, Jr. personally awarded Certificates of Lot Award (CELA) to over 900 beneficiaries from five ECMP communities.
According to SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa, “We are on track in implementing our housing programs, particularly the ECMP, to help more Filipino families secure the land they occupy. This reaffirms our commitment to providing safe, secure, and inclusive housing where beneficiaries can build better lives for their families.”
Inclusive, Community-Driven Approach
SHFC’s vision goes beyond constructing houses—it is fundamentally about building sustainable and inclusive communities. By partnering with local government units, fellow government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, SHFC empowers informal settlers to purchase land and develop essential infrastructure.
Today, with significant progress in 4PH implementation, SHFC is answering the President’s call to ensure that all citizens, especially the unserved and underserved, experience tangible government support in their daily lives.
As SHFC moves into 2026, it aims to accelerate project approvals and strengthen partnerships to deliver more inclusive and sustainable housing solutions for Filipino families, bringing the goal of secure and dignified homeownership within closer reach.
Building a Better Future
For 22 years, SHFC has done more than construct houses—it has helped build lives by empowering organized communities, overcoming challenges, and continually innovating to meet families’ needs.
As Laxa aptly stated, the organization’s legacy will be measured not only by the homes it has built, but by the communities it has transformed.
