PHILIPPINES — For 240 residents of Barangay Fortune, the dream of owning the land beneath their feet became real on Thursday. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) formally awarded Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) to the families, ending nearly 30 years of tenure insecurity.
A Long-Awaited Victory for Three Communities
The beneficiaries belong to three homeowners' associations: Solid Santan HOA, Inc., Samahang Pinagkaisang Maralita ng Santan HOA, Inc., and Juancho Pacheco HOA, Inc. These communities have occupied the land since the 1990s, building homes and raising families under the shadow of uncertainty. The awarding ceremony was led by DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., and SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa.
The titles were granted under the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), a key component of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. This milestone underscores the government's push to provide secure land tenure to low-income families nationwide. The event also marked the 38th anniversary of the Community Mortgage Program.
Dreams Fulfilled, Burdens Lifted
For Rosario Gagarino, the title represents the end of years of renting and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. "Siyempre nakaka proud... Sa wakas hindi ka na nangungupahan... Ito na 'yun—na-achieve ko na 'yung pinaghirapan ko," she shared. Her words echoed the sentiments of many beneficiaries who had worked tirelessly for decades.
Mercedes Esmero of Solid Santan HOA urged other families to value such government programs. She emphasized that the security of a title benefits generations, from children to future grandparents. "Iyo na yun dahil titulado ka na," she said, highlighting the permanence that ownership brings.
Peace of Mind for Families
Ramon Ledesma of Juancho Pacheco HOA expressed profound relief that his family no longer carries worries over housing payments. "Wala na kaming iisipin na meron pa kaming babayaran... Wala na kaming problema," he said. The title brought a different, equally meaningful sense of peace.
HOA leaders, who witnessed the families' decades-long struggle, described the moment as deeply emotional. Felisa Hernandez, president of Solid Santan HOA, said the title finally confirms the ownership her community had prayed and worked for over many years. "Ang tagal naming hinintay... Puno ako ng panalangin, maraming luha," she shared.
A Commitment to Expand Housing Opportunities
Secretary Aliling emphasized that each title represents a family's security. "Ang bawat titulong iginagawad natin ay kumakatawan sa seguridad ng isang pamilya," he said. He reaffirmed DHSUD's commitment to widening access to the Expanded 4PH Program.
Since the revival of the ECMP in 2025, more than 47 projects have been approved, benefiting over 8,000 beneficiaries. The government aims to bring housing opportunities closer to more Filipino families. The Marikina awarding is a tangible example of these efforts in action.
