DHSUD pushes sustainable housing

HUMAN Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial in the implementation of national housing initiatives. "Under these programs, we are not merely building houses, we are transforming communities into resilient and sustainable living spaces with utmost consideration to the protection of the environment, and we are improving the way of life of our people," Acuzar said on Wednesday, as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) observes National Shelter Month. This year's theme, "Matibay na Tahanan, Matatag na Komunidad Para sa Bagong Pilipinas" (sturdy homes, stable community for a new Philippines), was indicative of the government's effort to provide safe, decent, affordable and sustainable housing. "Big words and an even bigger task, I must say, and many challenges remain along our way. But we have to be bold in pursuing 4PH (Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino) to address homelessness," Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III said. "That is why, we call on everyone in the sector to start turning these challenges into opportunities, and align all our efforts toward this shared goal of providing matitibay na tahanan, matatag na komunidad para sa Bagong Pilipinas," he added. The National Shelter Month celebration included a weeklong housing fair joined by the Social Housing Finance Corp., National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., National Housing Authority, Human Settlements Adjudication Commission and Pag-IBIG Fund.