Manila, Sept. 18 -- The proposed PHP5.088-billion budget of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is expected to sustain government programs for affordable housing, subsidized financing and decent homes for Filipinos, Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda said.

Baronda, vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee, defended the proposed budget of the DHSUD and its attached agencies-the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC)-during the plenary deliberation of the 2027 national budget on Wednesday.

She acknowledged gaps and challenges in addressing the country's housing needs but said the DHSUD, under Secr...