The Duterte administration has achieved almost 90 percent of its six-year housing target, a satisfactory feat that the government hopes will continue under the administration of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Data from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) showed that about 1.08 million housing units and lots were produced and financed as of end-2021.
This is estimated to be 86 percent of the 1.26 million units targeted under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the first medium-term plan anchored on the 10 point socioeconomic agenda geared toward the AmBisyon Natin 2040.
DHSUD chief Eduardo Del Rosario said that he is pleased and satisfied with the housing sector’s achievements under President Duterte.
The DHSUD’s annual housing production was pegged at 197,886, the highest among previous administrations since 1975.
Del Rosario expressed optimism that Marcos Jr. will sustain and further boost the current gains.
“We must continuously innovate to ensure that our vision to be a ‘strong institution and catalyst for the provision of adequate and affordable housing, inclusive human settlements and well-planned communities for every Filipino family’ comes to light,” Del Rosario said.
Land use
The housing agency has also assisted 233 local government units in updating and ratifying their comprehensive land use plans and provincial development and physical framework plans.
It also crafted real estate development policies and issued directives to cushion the impact of the pandemic.
It likewise issued 1,437 licenses to sell and certificates of registration to 36,624 dealers, brokers and salespersons in the last two years.
Professionalizing the housing sector
The department also emphasized that it paved the way to further professionalize the housing industry, as well as revised the rules and regulations of the magna carta for homeowners associations nationwide.
Del Rosario said DHSUD strengthened partnerships with LGUs and private developers through finalization of various agreements, some of which resulted in the construction of evacuation centers to boost the country’s disaster preparedness.
A national housing blueprint
As the Duterte government comes to a close, DHSUD noted that one of its most significant accomplishments is the crafting and adoption of the 2040 National Housing and Urban Development Sector Plan.
The plan consolidates ongoing and proposed strategies, plans and programs of the department, its key shelter agencies and other stakeholders in providing Filipino families, especially the underprivileged, access to decent, safe, sustainable and affordable homes.
