Some 160 urban poor families in Cebu City received certificates recognizing their entitlement to housing lots Thursday, marking a step toward securing permanent homes after more than two decades of uncertainty.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling led the distribution of Certificates of Entitlement to beneficiaries of the GMA Ville Lot 110 Housing Project in Barangay Carreta under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Aliling said the government continues to bring housing services closer to communities in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand access to affordable housing.

“Ang pamimigay natin ng mga COEs ay magbibigay ng kapanatagan at mas may dignidad na pamumuhay sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga urban poor (Our distribution of COEs will provide peace of mind and a more dignified life for our fellow countrymen, especially the urban poor),” he said.

The awarding was organized by the DHSUD’s Regional Office 7 in coordination with the National Housing Authority and the Cebu City government.

The initiative was part of National Shelter Month 2026, themed “Tahanan. Pamayanan. Kinabukasan,” which highlights the role of secure housing in building stronger communities and improving the future of Filipino families.

The DHSUD said the initiative reflects the partnership between national and local governments to expand housing opportunities and strengthen beneficiaries’ security of land tenure under the Expanded 4PH Program. (PNA)