The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Pag-IBIG Fund on Monday opened a two-day housing fair, framing affordable homeownership as a vital tool for poverty reduction and national development.

The event, held at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Calamba City, Laguna, serves as a one-stop platform for low- and middle-income earners to explore housing units, connect with accredited developers, and process housing loan applications on-site.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling underscored that providing families with access to decent and affordable shelter is a critical intervention in breaking the cycle of poverty.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng sariling tahanan ay hindi lamang tungkol sa tirahan. Ito ay pundasyon ng mas maayos at may dignidad na pamumuhay (Owning a home is about more than just having a roof over one’s head. It is the foundation of a more orderly and dignified life),” Aliling said in a statement.

“Kapag ang isang pamilya ay may sariling bahay, mas nagiging matatag ang kanilang kinabukasan at mas nagkakaroon sila ng pagkakataong makaahon sa kahirapan (When a family owns their home, their future becomes more stable, giving them a better chance to rise above poverty).”

He added that by bringing housing services directly to the people, the government is removing long-standing barriers that have prevented marginalized families from securing their own property.

Aliling said the housing fair reflects the Marcos administration’s “whole-of-society” approach, integrating housing development and accessible financing to ensure that no Filipino family is left behind.

The fair directly addresses challenges such as high financing costs, information gaps, and limited access to affordable home loans.

By offering the lowest monthly amortization rates, the initiative encourages families to transition from renting to homeownership.

According to the DHSUD, this shift allows households to invest in long-term equity and redirect their resources toward other essential needs, such as education, healthcare, and livelihood.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta cited the strong partnership between the two agencies in advancing the Marcos administration’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. (PNA)