The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), concluded its 32nd National Developers Convention on October 10-11, 2024, in Davao City. Themed “Puy-Anan Para Sa Tanan: Collaborating Towards a Unified Housing Roadmap,” the event marked a significant milestone with the adoption of key resolutions to advance the country’s housing and urban development through a unified housing roadmap.
The convention brought together over 380 policymakers, developers, and stakeholders to address the pressing housing needs of Filipinos. DHSUD Undersecretaries Atty. Garry V. De Guzman and Ar. Henry L. Yap provided updates on public housing programs, while Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta highlighted the crucial role of financing in addressing the housing gap for low- and middle-income families.
A key outcome of the convention was the adoption of a resolution to craft the Unified Philippine Housing Roadmap for 2025-2040. Led by SHDA and developed in collaboration with key shelter agencies, LGUs, housing organizations and private developers, the roadmap seeks to align efforts across the housing sector to tackle the country’s housing backlog and promote sustainable urban development. It also supports the government’s 4PH Program, providing a strategic framework for long-term housing initiatives.
Central to the roadmap is the goal of streamlining permitting and licensing processes for housing projects. SHDA advocates for simplifying these procedures by partnering with DHSUD, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other government bodies to digitize processes, reduce delays, and improve the ease of doing business for developers, ensuring faster project approvals.
SHDA Chairman Ar. Leonardo Dayao Jr. said, “The adoption of a unified housing roadmap is a critical step toward addressing our nation’s housing challenges. By working closely with government agencies and private developers, we aim to turn this vision into reality and ensure affordable housing for all Filipinos.”
The convention also underscored the need for sustainable and innovative financing solutions to support housing sector growth, particularly through flexible mortgage products and partnerships with financial institutions to offer expanded financing options for low- and middle-income homebuyers.
SHDA further highlighted its commitment to promoting green and sustainable design practices, encouraging public and private developers to integrate environmentally responsible solutions into housing projects as part of its long-term vision for sustainable development.
In support of the Tatak Pinoy initiative, SHDA is also advocating for the use of locally sourced and eco-friendly materials in housing construction, as well as locally-manufactured home products to support domestic businesses. By fostering partnerships with allied industries, SHDA aims to ensure the delivery of high-quality, sustainable housing projects that contribute to the country’s economic and environmental goals.
The convention also featured a critical discussion on sustainability in the housing and construction sectors, highlighting that 40% of global carbon emissions come from these industries. Speakers, including Ces Oreña-Drilon, underscored the urgent need to adopt greener materials like bamboo and implement eco-friendly construction practices to reduce the industry’s harmful impact on the environment.
Mindanao’s potential as a key real estate growth area and investment destination was another focal point of the convention. SHDA is collaborating with LGUs in emerging growth areas such as Tagum, Island Garden City of Samal, and General Santos to promote housing projects and infrastructure development, positioning the region as a booming real estate market.
Engr. Kenneth Yap, President of SHDA’s South Mindanao chapter, and Ar. Kristin Yu, Governor of the same chapter, emphasized the region’s commitment to sustainable housing practices. “Mindanao has tremendous potential for growth, and we are committed to leading the way by incorporating sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices in our housing projects,” they said.
The resolutions and strategies adopted during the convention reaffirm SHDA’s commitment to addressing the country’s housing challenges. Through the Unified Philippine Housing Roadmap and initiatives such as streamlining processes, fostering innovative financing, and promoting sustainable practices, SHDA aims to significantly reduce the housing backlog and ensure that quality homes are accessible to every Filipino.
Atty. Joy Manaog, SHDA National President, concluded, “The data, insights, and trends presented at the convention will enhance our current framework, policies and programs, enabling us to advance housing development across the country and meet the growing demand for sustainable, affordable homes.”
The 32nd SHDA-DHSUD National Developers Convention was sponsored and supported by, 8990 Holdings Inc., SM Development Corporation, Citihomes Builder and Development, Inc., Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF), BDO Unibank, Inc., Raemulan Lands Incorporated, Fino Property Ventures, Inc., Alsons Development and Investment Corporation, Davies Paints Philippines Incorporated, Moon Rabbit Ventures Inc. (UWI), China Banking Corporation, SolarNRG, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corp., PHirst Park Homes Inc., Wee Community Developers Inc., PHINMA Property Holdings Corp., Convergénce Realty and Devt. Corp. (Bel Air Villas), C-5 Mansion Development Corp., Lynville Land Development Corp., R.J. Lhinet Development Corporation, Vista Land and, Lifescapes Inc., Prominence Properties, Inc., Property Company of Friends, Inc., (Profriends), Pueblo De Oro, PHINMA Construction Materials Group, RK Premier, Corp., United Steel Technology Intl. Corp. (Steeltech Colored Roofing), Pacific, Paint Philippines Inc (Dutch Boy), KER Systems and Solutions Corp., Philippine, Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE), World Home Depot, Stronghold Insurance Company Inc., Creative Ventures Travel & Tours and Comuna.
