As the country faces a staggering housing backlog of over 6.5 million units, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) celebrates its 55th year with a renewed call to action. SHDA’s 55th Anniversary Celebration will be held on May 20, 2025 at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City. This event comes at a pivotal time for both the association and the Philippine housing sector.

Founded in 1970 as the Subdivision Owners Association of the Philippines (SOAP), SHDA has since evolved into the country’s foremost industry association for housing development, with 350 members nationwide and eight regional chapters. Its journey mirrors the changing landscape of the Philippine housing sector, from lot-only developments targeting middle- to high-income buyers to integrated housing solutions catering to the needs of Filipino families from all income segments

“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.”

The association continues to play a central role in shaping housing policy, streamlining regulations, and promoting sustainable, affordable housing development across the country. The housing backlog, which was estimated at just under 700,000 units in 1970, has since multiplied nearly tenfold, fueled by rapid urbanization, limited access to affordable financing, and a patchwork of local government permitting systems that have slowed the delivery of homes.

SHDA Chairman, Ar. Leonardo B. Dayao Jr., emphasized the urgency of removing structural barriers to housing production. “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,” said Dayao.

A key milestone in SHDA’s ongoing advocacy efforts was the unveiling of the Philippine Housing Industry Roadmap 2025–2040 during last year’s National Developers Convention. This annual event, held in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), academic institutions like the University of Asia and the Pacific, and fellow housing organizations including OSHDP, NREA, and CREBA, introduced the roadmap. It identifies critical bottlenecks in housing delivery and outlines long-term strategies to meet the growing demand while aligning with broader economic goals.

“The roadmap isn’t just a wish list, it’s a plan of action,” Villegas noted. “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.”

At the heart of SHDA’s current efforts is regional empowerment. With eight regional chapters, the association is working to address grassroots concerns and bring services closer to local developers. It continues to champion the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) and has successfully lobbied for policies that ease the burden on developers and buyers alike, including the recent adjustment of the price ceiling for socialized and low-cost housing under DHSUD-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-001.

SHDA is also embracing innovation as a tool to modernize the industry. From advocating for green building practices and indigenous materials, to exploring artificial intelligence to streamline construction processes, the organization aims to position the housing sector at the forefront of smart and sustainable development. Study tours in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are also being organized to help local developers learn from lother countries’ best practices.

“This anniversary is not just about longevity, it’s about leadership,” Dayao said. “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.”