The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Wednesday said the government remains firm to help 81 percent of Filipinos achieve their dreams to have their own house.

Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario made this statement as he signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla for the establishment of DHSUD’s regional office inside the Government Center in Palo, Leyte.

Del Rosario said the move is part of the housing department’s plans “to intensify the provision of sustainable housing programs for all Filipinos.”

“DHSUD remains adamant on fulfilling the dreams of 81 percent of Filipinos who wish to have a house of their own,” he said.

He earlier conducted a three-day official visit in the Eastern Visayas to engage local government units (LGUs) in carrying out DHSUD’s mandate of providing more resilient, sustainable, and affordable housing communities to Filipinos, especially to the underprivileged.

DHSUD targets to deliver quality housing projects to the people, particularly those low-income earners, he said.

“We should step up the ease of doing the business process in securing housing permits and licenses in our department,” del Rosario told DHSUD personnel in the region. “The accreditation and license to sell could prevent the developer from building a substandard housing project.”

DHSUD said it is now finalizing a 20-year housing and urban development strategic plan and roadmap aimed at providing adequate and affordable housing units for all Filipinos.

Del Rosario reiterated that part of their national housing strategic plan is to make sure that no substandard housing project will be built in the country.

DHSUD is also keen on eliminating illegal transactions on the issuance of licenses and permits within the housing sector. (PNA)