Senator Bong Go is pushing for the institutionalization of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) as a long-term response to the Philippines’ deepening housing shortage.
Through Senate Bill 671, Go seeks to embed 4PH into national policy, focusing on the needs of informal settler families (ISFs) and low-income Filipinos who continue to struggle with access to safe and affordable homes.
“Decent housing is a human right. When we address housing inadequacies, we pave the way for better health, improved education, and greater economic opportunities for all,” Go said.
Citing the 2023 UN-Habitat Philippines Country Report, Go highlighted that an estimated 3.7 million ISFs live across the country, including more than half a million residing in dangerous conditions in Metro Manila. He also warned that without swift government intervention, the national housing backlog could reach a staggering 22 million units by 2040.
“Despite various housing programs over the years, access to affordable, decent, and secure housing remains a persistent challenge,” Go emphasized.
The proposed measure mandates the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to lead the development of one million housing units annually, prioritizing the bottom 30 percent of the population. The DHSUD will work in partnership with local governments and financing institutions to implement the program nationwide.
