By el Amigo
MANILA — The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) has named Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon “Ping” Aliling as its Bayani ng Urban Poor 2026, citing his efforts to turn housing policies into concrete programs for low-income and informal settler families.
The annual award, given on National Heroes Day, recognizes an individual or institution that has made a significant contribution to the welfare of the urban poor. Only one recipient is selected by the Commission each year.
For 2026, PCUP cited Aliling’s leadership in expanding access to housing, strengthening security of tenure, improving relocation programs and encouraging partnerships with communities and local governments.
Under Aliling, DHSUD broadened the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program beyond vertical housing. The program now includes horizontal developments, house-and-lot packages, lot-only arrangements, rental housing and other options designed to address the varying needs and capacities of low-income families.
PCUP also highlighted the revival of the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), particularly on-site projects that had been stalled for years. In July 2025, DHSUD approved the initial revival of 34 on-site CMP projects expected to benefit about 5,000 residents.
The Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP) has likewise provided organized urban poor communities with assistance for land acquisition and site development. In 2026, beneficiaries began receiving financial assistance and Certificates of Lot Award as part of efforts to strengthen their security of tenure.
The Commission also recognized DHSUD’s work in resolving long-standing land and housing concerns involving government-owned properties and Presidential Proclamations. The processing and awarding of Certificates of Entitlement have helped qualified families move closer to formalizing their claims.
PCUP further cited the department’s approach to relocation, emphasizing in-city or near-city options whenever feasible and the need to preserve access to jobs, transportation and basic services. This is particularly important for informal settlers displaced by infrastructure projects or residing in danger zones.
DHSUD’s disaster-response housing assistance was also noted, including support for families whose homes were damaged by calamities and programs aimed at rebuilding safer and more resilient communities.
PCUP Chairperson Usec. Michelle Anne B. Gonzales described Aliling as an “action man” who has translated DHSUD commitments into operational programs.
“For the urban poor, a housing policy matters when it becomes a home,” Gonzales said, stressing that government initiatives become meaningful when families gain secure tenure, decent shelter, safe relocation or assistance to rebuild.
She added that Aliling’s leadership has demonstrated the importance of government listening to and working with urban poor organizations, civil society groups, LGUs and community leaders.
For PCUP, the award reflects a broader definition of heroism—one measured not only by policies but by whether those policies improve lives.
The Commission said Aliling’s work embodies the principle that every Filipino family deserves a safe, secure and dignified place to call home.
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