Manila, May 14 -- The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) deployed its top-ranking officials to the provinces to dismantle housing transaction bottlenecks.

The measure came after an internal audit revealed that significant backlogs are occurring at the regional level rather than the central office.

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling directed undersecretaries this week to take direct oversight of the agency's 17 regional offices to expedite the processing of licenses, certificates and housing applications.

The move is part of the department's "Zero Backlog Program" and in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to streamline government services.

"'Yan po mismo ang ating ginagawa upang mas map...