The NHA Settlements Upgrading (SU) Program is one of the initiatives of the National Housing Authority designed to help improve the living conditions of informal settler families (ISFs) in the Philippines. Launched to support long-term housing development, the program focuses on upgrading informal settlements located on government-owned lands that have been declared as socialized housing sites. It was created as part of the government’s effort to provide better housing solutions by addressing both land tenure and basic infrastructure needs.
This program aims to help qualified occupants gain legal ownership of the land they live on while also improving their communities through infrastructure development and housing rehabilitation. Through land titling, construction, and site improvement, the SU Program helps create safer and more stable communities. Learning about this program is important, especially for underprivileged families, because it offers a chance to access secure housing and long-term support from the government. If you’re part of an informal settler family (ISF) looking for better housing opportunities in the Philippines, then the SU Program can help you gain more secure and improved living conditions. With this guide, you can learn about everything you need to know about it, from eligibility to the step-by-step process, requirements, and key updates you need to know about.
What is the NHA Settlements Upgrading (SU) Program?
The Settlements Upgrading (SU) Program is one of the housing assistance programs offered by the NHA in the Philippines. It focuses on improving the living conditions of informal settlements situated on government-owned lands that are either proclaimed or designated as socialized housing sites.
Features
Under this program, beneficiaries can access services such as:
- Land survey and titling of individual lots
- Disposition of titled lots to qualified occupants
- Infrastructure development (roads, drainage, lighting, etc.)
- Housing construction
- Rehabilitation of existing project sites
The main goal of NHA SU is to provide long-term housing solutions to ISFs by improving infrastructure and legalizing their occupancy of government land.
Benefits
The program offers several practical benefits that help improve the living conditions of ISFs. These include:
- Legal ownership through land survey and titling
- Access to affordable housing units
- Improved infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and lighting
- Rehabilitation of old or damaged housing sites
- More secure and permanent living arrangements
- Opportunity to live in organized and safer communities
Target Beneficiaries
The program is intended to support specific groups who are most in need of secure and improved housing. These include:
- Informal Settler Families (ISFs) living on government-owned lands
- Underprivileged and homeless citizens
- Families residing in proclaimed or designated socialized housing sites
- Occupants of existing NHA housing sites in need of infrastructure improvement
- Individuals without any ownership of real property
- Residents of unawarded but occupied NHA lots or housing units
Who Can Apply for NHA SU?
To qualify for this housing assistance program, applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens of legal age.
- They can be either married, a single head of the family, or a solo parent.
- You must fall under the category of “underprivileged and homeless citizen” as defined in Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7279 (Urban Development and Housing Act).
- Applicants must not own any real property, either in rural or urban areas, to qualify for the program.
- Applicants must not be identified as professional squatters or part of a squatting syndicate.
Required Documents
Although requirements may change depending on certain factors, here are the general documentary requirements you will need to satisfy:
- Accomplished and notarized application form
- Valid ID of the applicant
- Proof of no property ownership (affidavit or certification)
- Certificate of indigency or any document showing underprivileged status
- Additional documents as may be required by the specific NHA office or housing project
Note: It’s best to check with your nearest NHA office for any project-specific documentation.
How to Apply for the NHA Settlements Upgrading (SU) Program
Applying for the NHA SU involves a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete the application process seamlessly:
Step 1: Download and Fill Out the Application Form
Start by downloading the official application form from the NHA website. Fill it out completely and accurately to avoid delays in processing.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Housing Project
Browse through available NHA housing projects under the SU Program. Choose the one that best suits your location and needs.
Step 3: Select a Payment Method
Different payment options are available depending on the housing project. You will need to choose your preferred payment scheme before submitting your application.
Step 4: Notarize Your Application
After completing the form, have it notarized. This step is required before submission.
Step 5: Submit Your Application and Requirements
Submit your notarized application form along with other supporting documents to either:
- The Implementing Regional or District Office managing the project you chose, or
- Any NHA office near your current residence.
Step 6: Pay the Reservation Fee
A reservation fee of Php 20,000 is required upon application. Take note that this amount is non-refundable if you decide not to continue with the purchase of the housing unit or lot.
Important Program Update: Faster Processing and Extended Application Period
In a recent development, NHA General Manager Joeben Tai signed an amendment under Memorandum Circular No. 2023-086 to speed up the processing and legal disposition of unawarded lots and housing units in NHA projects.
This amendment extends the application period for unawarded occupied residential lots or units until the end of December 2025. This extension gives qualified occupants more time to legally acquire their homes, making it easier for more families to access housing assistance through the NHA SU program and other initiatives.
This move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to speed up government services in line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
Video: Upgrading Informal Settlements
The NHA Settlements Upgrading (SU) Program offers a structured way for informal settler families to gain secure, improved housing on government land. With improved infrastructure and formal titling, families can look forward to better living conditions and long-term residential stability. If you meet the eligibility requirements, then you can take the first step in applying for the program by watching this video from Lashiola Kutya and learning more about Settlements Upgrading:
For more information, you may also visit the official website of the National Housing Authority or contact the NHA office via their official communication channels.