Manila: After zeroing in on the backlog in its regulatory functions, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is now strengthening its efforts to better protect homebuyers as part of its mandate to look after the welfare of all housing stakeholders.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling instructed Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz, head of the DHSUD Zero Backlog Program, to implement measures to immediately resolve issues and concerns being raised by homebuyers before various offices of the DHSUD.

“Alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. para sa mabilis at malinis na serbisyo, papaigtingin pa natin ang ating kampanya para tulungang lutasin ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng ating mga homebuyers sa lalong madaling panahon (In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for fast and clean service, we will intensify our campaign to help resolve the problems facing our homebuyers as soon as possible),” Aliling said in a news release on Sunday.

Upon his assumption last May, Aliling launched the DHSUD’s Zero Backlog Program as part of the Department’s 8-Point Agenda in line with President Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of efficient and transparent governance. Of the 3,100 actionable items, which included transactions way back in 2020, the backlog stood at only 82 issues as of August 22, and the DHSUD is on track to resolve all within the next few days.

Aliling also transformed President Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, now Expanded 4PH, into a people-centric program by introducing horizontal or subdivision-type developments and rental and incremental housing modalities. He also revived and enhanced the community mortgage program, drawing massive support from the private sector, including urban poor groups. At least 42 private developers subsequently committed more than 250,000 housing units under the Expanded 4PH.

In shifting focus to homebuyers’ concerns, Paquiz urged the public, particularly buyers of real estate properties, to file a formal complaint against erring developers. “By filing official complaints, we can properly assist you and extend more efficient services. Kailangan po natin magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang aming pagse-serbisyo sa taumbayan (We need to work together to improve our service to the people),” Paquiz said.

As part of its efforts to protect homebuyers, the DHSUD is intensifying its information and education campaign to guide the public in transacting for real estate properties. It has launched the DREAM Tips, which enumerated the necessary documents and requirements that establish the legality of a real estate project, like Certificate of Registration and License to Sell (CR-LS), among others. DREAM stands for Demand for CR-LS of your chosen real estate; Read the contract to sell (CTS) to know all the provisions stated therein; Engage only registered real estate agents/brokers; Ask all your questions about the project/unit before buying, and Move to inspect the actual location.