In the past decades, the Philippines has rapidly urbanized, which has led to an increase in population, creating more cities and towns, and transforming agricultural lands for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial purposes, among others. The 2020 Census on Population and Housing data shows that 54 percent of Filipinos or 58.93 out of the 109 million Filipinos now reside in urban barangays.
Urbanization, while reflective of our economic growth, also ushers in problems and challenges on housing, basic infrastructure, social services, community facilities, and utilities.
Studies have shown that urban development issues we experience such as informal settlements, blight, traffic congestion, insufficient public transportation, environmental degradation, and flooding, result from fragmented if not disconnected planning, poor design, and/or incomplete implementation of plans and projects. Urban development issues are exacerbated by climate-related issues and calamities.
Metro Manila and many areas in the country were recently placed in a state of calamity after the onslaught of Typhoon Carina. Thousands of families lost homes, properties, and livelihoods. Many operations were forced to a standstill, resulting in losses and damages to capital assets and the local economy. These more frequent and recurring calamities highlighted our vulnerability to climate risks and disasters.
This situation aggravates the socio-economic inequalities. The profound effects of disasters on our lives, properties, and economic activities underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, coordinated, and resilient planning and development.
In response to many of these issues and challenges, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is committed to building resilient human settlements.
As early as 2022, DHSUD crafted a 20-year roadmap called the “National Housing and Urban Development Sector Plan”, anchored on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 on Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, Ambisyon Natin 2040 of Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay, and the Philippine Development Plan. It aims to synchronize, integrate, and align all human settlements and urban development-related policies and programs toward the achievement of a common sectoral goal and highlights policies, programs, and projects that need to be implemented in line with the vision of “Building Better, Greener, Smarter Human Settlements in a more Inclusive Philippines by 2040”.
Last year, the President issued EO 34, declaring the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) as a flagship program of the administration. It aims to address the housing backlog and needs and provide decent and affordable housing, with emphasis on the poor and low-income groups. It promotes in-city or near-city resettlement with vertical housing to reduce the urban poor’s displacement from their places of work and livelihood while still being given equal opportunity to continue to live within the city. The program also features private-sector partnerships in the development of affordable and decent housing and communities.
The President also issued EO 35, creating an inter-agency for Pasig River Urban Development. With the support of the First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, and through private sector partnership, the initial phase of the showcase project- the development of an esplanade- has commenced at the back of the Manila Post Office towards the Intramuros Administration area.
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to land use and urban planning and development, DHSUD launched the PLANADO or Plan and Do Program in February 2024. This program aims to streamline and digitalize land use and urban development planning processes using science-based data and new technology, including artificial intelligence to aid and capacitate LGUs and other stakeholders.
One of the ongoing projects is the “PlanSmart for Sustainable Human Settlements” which integrates relevant land use planning data such as demographic and socio-economic data of LGUs, ecological profile, and geo-hazard information, and automates the plan preparation and review process. It also targets to automate climate and disaster risk assessment (CDRA) to ensure that land use and urban planning are evidence-based and risk-informed, enabling government and development actors to plan more effectively and sustainably.
DHSUD also aims to promote better compliance with regulations by strengthening the LGUs’ capacity to monitor the implementation of approved land use plans through an “Automated Land Use and Zoning Compliance Assessment and Monitoring” (AutoCAM) tool, using satellite data and remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and artificial intelligence to develop an automated, near real-time monitoring system in detecting changes and compliance with the zoning ordinances.
Under the PLANADO program, DHSUD is also focused on promoting transformation in our urban landscape through the implementation of innovative, green, and resilient urban renewal and development projects and strategies by targeting to issue within the year new policies, guidelines, and design standards for promoting/implementing green and open spaces, transit-oriented development, planned unit development, new town and planned city extensions, and zoning and development control.
Recognizing the gargantuan task that we face in addressing the decades-long urban development issues in the country, DHSUD is strengthening its collaboration and partnership with national and government agencies/units, development partners, civil society organizations, planning professionals, and other stakeholders. DHSUD will be formally launching late this year the “Planners’ Network” which aims to identify, engage, and bring together planning and allied professionals to share their knowledge and collaborate on the development of policies, programs, and projects that will promote the attainment of the objectives and targets under the PLANADO program.
It is said: “The future of our cities is not predetermined. It is a canvas awaiting our creativity and collaboration.”
The realization of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable human settlements entails cooperation and support from all stakeholders, as well as significant funding and investments. We are inviting the private sector, our development partners, and local governments to partner with us in building a better Philippines. Together, we can create communities that are not only thriving but also inspiring.
To achieve our goals, we need a united front. Let us work hand in hand to shape a future where every Filipino can call a decent home their own, where our communities are resilient to challenges, and where our cities are beacons of progress.
This article stems from my Keynote Address at the BusinessWorld Insights: “Building Sustainable and Inclusive Communities for the Future” Forum held last July 31, 2024, where The Philippine Star was the Media Partner.
