About 50 families from two communities in Barangay United Bayanihan, San Pedro City, Laguna, have finally secured ownership of the land they have long called home, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward lasting housing security.
Twenty-four beneficiaries from Maralitang Nagkakaisa sa Tramo Buli and 22 from Cupang Tramo Neighborhood Homeowners’ Association, Inc. (HOAI) received their land titles on August 10 during a ceremonial awarding in San Pedro City.
The awarding forms part of the government’s continuing efforts under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program to provide Filipino families with secure land tenure and access to decent, affordable housing.
Originally from Muntinlupa City, the two homeowners’ associations were organized in 2004 under SHFC’s Community Mortgage Program (CMP). After years of perseverance and collective effort, the families have now secured tenure over the land they call home.
The ceremony was led by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, together with SHFC President Federico Laxa and San Pedro City Mayor Art Mercado. The event formed part of the 38th CMP celebration, held under the theme, “Bahay, Buhay, Magandang Kinabukasan.”
Aliling said the awarding of land titles directly in communities aligns with President Marcos’ directive to bring government services closer to the people and ensure that more Filipino families benefit from the government’s housing programs.
In his remarks, Laxa congratulated the beneficiaries, recognizing the years of hard work and perseverance that led to the awarding of their land titles. “Alam po namin na talagang pinaghirapan ninyo ito. Ito na ang katuparan ng inyong pangarap na magkaroon ng sariling lupa na matagal na ninyong pinakaaasam-asam,” he said. “Nawa’y magsilbi itong simula ng mas panatag at mas magandang kinabukasan para sa inyong mga pamilya.”
He reaffirmed SHFC’s commitment to helping more families secure land tenure through its housing initiatives, including the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), a transformative approach to community-driven housing that provides accessible financing for land acquisition and site development.
Mayor Mercado, meanwhile, thanked DHSUD and SHFC for helping turn the long-held aspirations of the beneficiaries into reality. He said the awarding of the land titles gives families greater security and hope for a more stable future in their community.
The member-beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude to the national government and partner agencies for the assistance and support they received throughout the process, reflecting on their long journey toward securing the land they now call home.
“Napaka-blessed natin. Nanggaling tayo sa mahirap, ngayon ay okay na ang buhay natin,” said Ruel Bordeos, president of Cupang Tramo Neighborhood HOAI. “Salamat po sa gobyerno natin dahil nabigyan kami ng Magandang buhay.”
The title awarding is part of a series of activities marking the CMP’s 38th anniversary. It highlights the government’s continued efforts to expand access to secure land tenure and affordable housing through various initiatives under the Expanded 4PH Program. Over nearly four decades, more than 300,000 families have benefited from the CMP.
For more information on SHFC projects and application procedures, the public may visit www.shfc.gov.ph or call (02) 5322-7300.
