By Aira Miranda
 
The housing sector is eyeing a "huge boost" with the appointment of Jose "Jerry" Acuzar as the new head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
 
Prior to Acuzar's appointment, Assistant Secretary Melissa Aradanas, the Officer-in-Charge, stated that the DHSUD is optimistic that the secretary will further enhance the nation's human settlement policies and initiatives.
 
Acuzar was sworn into office at Malacañang on Friday by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
 
He succeeded Eduardo del Rosario, who had been the DHSUD's leader since the agency's creation in 2019.
 
Acuzar, a native of Balanga, Bataan, is involved in numerous infrastructure projects nationwide.
 
While taking a vocational course in drafting at the Bataan National School of Arts and Trades, which is now Bataan Peninsula State University, he worked as a cutter-welder in his older brother's iron workshop.
 
He received his architecture bachelor's degree from the Technological Institute of the Philippines in Manila.
 
Acuzar founded one of the country's largest developers, New San Jose Builders, Inc.
 
"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. "Rest assured, Secretary Jerry, that the One DHSUD Family will be all-out in supporting your leadership."