Partnership built on trust

The DHSUD continues to create programs that could help address housing issues in the country.

For more than a year now, the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Property Section has served as an effective partner of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in the pursuit of its strategic communication initiatives. The Inquirer has provided us with a stable platform to discuss our programs as a new agency, and served as a far-reaching channel to promote our advocacies for the betterment of the housing and urban development sector.

Undoubtedly one of the most trusted print and online media outfits in the country, the Inquirer has proven its influence and credibility among its readers. It boasts millions of subscribers across ages and sectors here and abroad. Hence, we are more than proud as an “Inquirer” in this journey towards providing honest and reliable housing and real estate information to fellow Filipinos.

Expanded DHSUD reach

Since July 2020, we have contributed articles and insights to this column aptly called Housing Matters to introduce and highlight our programs, policies, and services.

To date, we have published 34 columns which featured our plans and initiatives in improving the lives of Filipinos, as the primary government agency in the management of housing, human settlements, and urban development.

The topics have varied from the macro level standpoint—such as our roadmap and banner programs, Marawi rehabilitation updates, key accomplishments including those of our primary shelter agencies, housing and related financing programs especially for the underprivileged, partnerships and collaborations with the public and private sectors—down to updates.

The Inquirer has consistently extended its helping hand to share this knowledge and empower our beneficiaries to avail of this administration’s housing projects and auxiliary programs. As a result, we believe that our impact has been multiplied a hundredfold in terms of establishing trust and confidence in government among our people.

Inquirer’s steadfast support provided an anchor to our sectoral legislative agenda as this column also serves as an initial reference in policymaking towards decent housing and sustainable communities.

Rehabilitating Marawi has also been one of DHSUD’s advocacies.

‘Balanced news, fearless views’

As public servants, we are constantly being subjected to scrutiny. We commit ourselves to excellence, accountability, and transparency in the management and implementation of government programs and policies.

However, with limited resources, we can only do so much. Although we want to reach more beneficiaries from the most vulnerable and remotest segments of the population, doing so would require us to strategize beyond our means and potentially exhaust the resources of the bureaucracy. We need intervention and assistance from the private sector, specifically the media in propagating our campaigns and disseminating our advocacies.

As a Cabinet Secretary, it is my personal commitment to deliver only truthful, accurate, and helpful information to the public. As the youngest department in the bureaucracy, the challenge to inform the public of our mandate and the services we offer stakeholders has been enormous. Misinformation, confusion, and doubts can often spread like wildfire unless immediately contained.

Genuine ally

My regular column in the Inquirer facilitated DHSUD’s crusade to engage its stakeholders—developers, real estate practitioners, homebuyers/owners, local governments, legislators, among others—in our vision to provide adequate and affordable housing and inclusive human settlements in well-planned communities for every Filipino family.

More than just a communication platform, the Inquirer has been DHSUD’s genuine ally in development. We hope to strengthen this tie for as long as we can and sustain a mutually beneficial existence in the name of public service.

On its 36th anniversary, we wish the Inquirer all the best in its continuous quest to search for accurate and meaningful information. DHSUD is one with you in “bringing balanced news and fearless views to readers when and where it matters.”

HOUSING MATTERS

EDUARDO D. DEL ROSARIO