RURAL PROJECT. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development-Region 2 officials inspect the completed marker and artesian well in a housing project for Indigenous Peoples in Barangay Gaggabutan West, Rizal, Cagayan on June 1, 2022. A total of 84 families are living in the housing site funded by the National Housing Authority. (Photo courtesy of DHSUD-2) MANILA - The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will actively involve private developers, financial institutions, and local government units (LGUs) to immediately provide housing to more Filipinos. Secretary Jose Acuzar said Monday that he plans to meet with local chief executives across the country to tackle DHSUD's projects to benefit informal settler families (ISFs) and those living within danger zones. "The housing sector in the country needs aggressive efforts. Therefore, we have to involve every stakeholder that can take part in this advocacy of the new administration. That is, to provide shelter to millions of Filipinos," he said in a statement. Acuzar said the DHSUD has secured the commitment of LGU officials in recent meetings. "I do hope that more governors, mayors, and lawmakers will support DHSUD's vision for the Filipino people," he added. So far, the DHSUD chief has presented strategies to Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Representative Roman Romulo; Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Vice Mayor Ninong Dela Cruz; and Caloocan City Mayor Dale Malapitan to maximize the use of government land for public housing purposes. "We see the role of LGUs as one of the key components to gradually address or even put an end to the challenges we are facing in the housing sector. They are our allies in development," Acuzar said. (PNA) }