As the country grapples with a housing backlog exceeding 6.5 million units, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) celebrates its 55th anniversary with a firm resolve to strengthen its role in advancing accessible and sustainable housing for every Filipino.
Set to take place on May 20, 2025, at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, the SHDA 55th Anniversary Celebration comes at a time when the need for bold, collaborative action in the housing sector has never been more urgent.
Founded in 1970 as the Subdivision Owners Association of the Philippines (SOAP), SHDA has evolved into the largest and most influential organization of housing developers in the country, with 350 members and eight regional chapters nationwide. The group has witnessed—and helped shape—the changing landscape of Philippine housing over the decades, shifting from lot-only developments to integrated, inclusive housing solutions that serve all income levels.
“Our history is rooted in advocacy,” said SHDA President Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas. “But at 55, we are not just looking back, we’re looking ahead. The housing crisis is growing, and it requires an organized, data-driven, and inclusive response. SHDA remains committed to leading that effort.”
Through the years, SHDA has actively collaborated with government agencies and industry stakeholders to streamline regulations and promote policy reforms that encourage the development of affordable, sustainable communities. From a housing backlog of under 700,000 units in 1970, the gap has ballooned nearly tenfold due to rapid urbanization, fragmented permitting processes, and limited access to housing finance.
SHDA Chairman Ar. Leonardo B. Dayao Jr. underscored the pressing need to modernize the system and scale up solutions. “When we began, it was simpler; developers worked with a centralized housing office. Today, while there are multiple checkpoints, from local government approvals to zoning and environmental permits, these processes are crucial for sustainable development. However, to close the housing gap, we need streamlined systems, political will, and stronger public-private collaboration to navigate the challenges we face together,” Dayao said.
Last year, SHDA unveiled a major milestone in its advocacy journey—the Philippine Housing Industry Roadmap 2025–2040. Introduced during the annual National Developers Convention in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), academic partners like the University of Asia and the Pacific, and fellow organizations including OSHDP, NREA, and CREBA, the roadmap lays out a comprehensive strategy to address systemic bottlenecks and aligns housing development with the country’s broader economic agenda.
“The roadmap isn’t just a wish list, it’s a plan of action,” Villegas emphasized. “It offers practical solutions to make housing more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive, especially in the provinces. We want this to be a living document, guiding government and developers alike.”
Regional empowerment remains central to SHDA’s vision. Its eight chapters work closely with local developers to address grassroots challenges, while the organization continues to support the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). Recent victories include SHDA’s successful push for the updated price ceilings for socialized and economic housing under the DHSUD-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-001—a critical policy win that benefits both developers and buyers.
Looking to the future, SHDA is also driving innovation across the industry. From championing the use of indigenous and sustainable materials to advocating green building standards and harnessing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the organization is intent on future-proofing the sector. Ongoing study missions to countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are equipping members with global insights and best practices.
“This anniversary is not just about longevity, it’s about leadership,” Dayao added. “SHDA has been a steady voice through every housing crisis, every economic downturn, every regulatory shift. As we look to the next 15 years, our role is to ensure that the dream of homeownership remains alive and achievable for every Filipino.”
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