The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) awarded checks totaling over ₱38.6 million on March 26 to support land acquisition and documentary assistance for two communities in Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa led the ceremonial awarding at the Pinag-isang Magkakapitbahay ng Miranda Compound Homeowners Association, Inc., Phases 1 and 2. The initiative underscores the government’s sustained efforts to expand access to affordable housing under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Of the total amount, approximately ₱35 million was allocated for lot acquisition, benefiting around 400 families from the two associations through SHFC’s Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP). This support enables beneficiaries to collectively purchase the land they have long occupied, marking a significant step toward secure homeownership. An additional ₱3.6 million was released to assist the communities in processing documentary requirements.

In his message, Laxa emphasized that empowering organized communities through the ECMP remains central to SHFC’s housing strategy. “Simula ngayong araw na ito ay makakatulog na kayo ng mahimbing at hindi na kayo mangangambang paalisin dito,” he said, underscoring that the government’s support goes beyond financial assistance—it ensures dignity, stability, and a secure future for every family.

He also expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for entrusting SHFC with housing programs that directly benefit poor and low-income families, such as the ECMP. Launched in July 2025, the ECMP goes beyond land acquisition by integrating key development components such as site development and community upgrading.

Meanwhile, Aliling congratulated the beneficiaries, describing the milestone as a significant achievement for the communities and expressing optimism for their brighter and more secure future.

Beneficiaries, in turn, expressed their appreciation to the involved government agencies for helping make land ownership possible. Many shared that the support has given them a renewed sense of security, knowing they are no longer vulnerable to eviction.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sapagkat tuluyan nang mapapasaamin ang lupang kinatitirikan ng aming mga bahay,” said Phase 1 president Mia Meneses, noting that SHFC and DHSUD have been assisting their community since August. Phase 2 president Reynante Mogato echoed these remarks, expressing gratitude for the support that finally secured their homes. “Matagal na po naming hinihintay at karangalan po namin na ngayon ay magiging katotohanan na ito,” he said.

A total of 43 ECMP projects have been approved by SHFC nationwide, benefiting more than 7,400 families. The increasing number of approved projects reflects the government’s continuing efforts to accelerate housing programs to address the housing needs of Filipino families.

For more information on the ECMP and other SHFC housing programs, please visit www.shfc.gov.ph.