The appointment of the new head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is a “huge boost” for the housing sector.
DHSUD Assistant Secretary Melissa Aradanas, former officer-in-charge, said the people behind DHSUD operations are optimistic that the new secretary will be able to improve the human settlement policies and programs in the country, which have been started by the previous leadership.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., administered the oath of office of entrepreneur Jose “Jerry” Acuzar as the new DHSUD secretary over the weekend.
He succeeded Eduardo del Rosario, who was the first secretary of the newborn DHSUD in 2019.
“With his long experience and successful background in the real estate industry, I am very optimistic that DHSUD is in good hands,” Aradanas said in a text message on Sunday.
Acuzar, who hailed from Balanga, Bataan, was involved in severa big infrastructure projects in the country.
He reportedly toiled as a cutter-welder in his older brother’s iron workshop while completing a vocational course in drafting at the Bataan National School of Arts and Trades, now the Bataan Peninsula State University.
Acuzar then completed his bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the Technological Institute of the Philippines in Manila City.
After college, Acuzar established the New San Jose Builders Inc., which eventually skyrocketed as one of the country’s largest developers.
New San Jose Builders was the company behind the construction of the so-called Erap City in Rodriguez, Rizal, built during the time of then-President Joseph Estrada as a relocation site for informal settlers.
The company was also reported to have constructed Estrada’s controversial Boracay mansion in Quezon City, boasting of a beach-like pool inside its compound. The property has since been demolished and in its place was built the Quezon City Reception House.
“This success can undoubtedly be owed to the leadership and performance-based and hands-on management style of Secretary Acuzar,” DHSUD said in a statement.
Aradanas said the DHSUD family gladly welcomes Acuzar to his “new home.”
“Rest assured Secretary Jerry sir that the One DHSUD Family will be all-out in supporting your leadership,” she added.