PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has underscored the vital role of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in transforming homeownership as a right rather than a privilege that needs to be earned.

Marcos, in an official written message for DHSUD's 6th anniversary, recognized the agency and the leadership of Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar for their efforts to make housing programs accessible to all Filipinos.

"Housing should not be an act of charity, nor should it be a distant dream dangled out of reach. A home is not a luxury — it is the ground beneath a family's stability, the safeguard of its dignity, and a space where aspirations take root," the president said.

"Yet, for too long, homeownership has been treated like a privilege to be earned rather than a right to be secured. DHSUD is here to change that," he added.

Marcos went on to recognize DHSUD's efforts to address the country's housing need since its creation in 2019 by virtue of Republic Act 11201.

"Through bold, people-first programs like the 'Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino' (4PH) and the Pasig River Urban Development (PRUD), we dismantle the notion that opportunities belong only to the fortunate few," he said.

Acuzar has been hands-on in the nationwide implementation of 4PH and the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Project, the president said.

He also stated that "since its inception, the DHSUD has remained steadfast in ensuring that every Filipino has more than a roof over their head and a future they can anticipate."

As DHSUD marked six years of service with the theme "Six Years of Empowering Lives: Building Homes, Building Futures for Every Filipino Family," this year's celebration underscored the administration's vision of inclusive development where owning a home is no longer an impossible dream for many Filipinos, Acuzar said.

The housing czar said that President Marcos has emphasized that housing is a fundamental necessity, serving as the foundation of a stable and dignified life.

The president was also quoted saying that while significant progress has been made, much work still remains, calling for continued dedication and long-term commitment to address the country's housing needs.

"Six years in, and the work is far from over. Love, after all, is not proven in promises alone but in the years of dedication that follow. The same holds true for our commitment to housing because a nation's success is not measured by its tallest towers, but by how many of its people can finally say, 'Welcome home,'" he added.

Founded on Feb. 14, 2019, DHSUD celebrated its 6th anniversary with a series of activities including a thanksgiving mass, ceremonial MOA (memorandum of agreement) signings, manual launching, and various awarding and recognition.