The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is set to open the National Shelter Month (NSM) 2025 celebration on Wednesday to provide dignified, safe, and affordable housing for Filipino families.

In a news release on Tuesday, the DHSUD said the celebration, with the theme “Build Homes, Build Happiness,” will be held at the agency’s Central Office auditorium, uniting government agencies, private developers, and other stakeholders in the mission.

“A home is where children feel safe to dream, where parents find strength, and where families draw comfort during difficult times. More than shelters, it is about building dignified lives,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said.

“Alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr., paiigtingin natin ang pagsusulong ng may dignidad na pamumuhay para sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng disenteng pabahay at mabilis at malinis na serbisyo publiko (In line with President [Ferdinand] Marcos Jr.’s directive, we will intensify the promotion of a dignified life for our fellow Filipinos through decent housing and fast, transparent public service),” he said.

Aliling said achieving this goal requires solidarity across government, civil society, and the private sector.

Throughout October, DHSUD regional offices and KSAs will spearhead activities nationwide, including housing summits, fora, community caravans, training sessions, and project site visits. These efforts aim to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for Filipinos to access affordable and secure homes.

National Shelter Month, declared under Proclamation 662, is observed every October to highlight the importance of adequate housing as a cornerstone of nation-building and as a shared responsibility of all sectors.

“Every home we build is a story of hope, and every family we serve is a testament to why public service matters. Together, we can make Bagong Pilipinas a reality —one home, one community, one future at a time,” Aliling said. (PNA)