The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) recently marked its 52nd year. Amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the local housing industry has remained bullish
SHDA is the largest housing organization in the country with over 350 members from eight regional chapters and over 30 affiliate members — all contributing to providing adequate and decent housing to Filipinos. SHDA has also vowed to further nurture its relationship with key housing agencies as it seeks to become a true enabler in the housing industry.
The event was graced by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario, who noted that SHDA has played an integral part in its pursuit toward a sustainable, safe, resilient, and vibrant housing industry. He was joined by Fermin Sta. Teresa Jr., SVP of Pag-IBIG Fund, along with top officials from the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP), the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations (CREBA), and the National Real Estate Association (NREA).
In a statement by SHDA Adviser Arch. Joe De Guzman, delivered by his son Raymond de Guzman Jr., from the time the group started out as Subdivision Owners Association of the Philippines Inc. (SOAP) in 1970, SHDA was already performing in unifying all subdivision developers under one organization to influence government policy toward improving viability for the industry that is consistent with public welfare.
Among SHDA’s accomplishments are the encouragement of private sector participation in housing development, improving access to housing finance, and ensuring the sustainability of the Pag-IBIG Fund, and, under previous administrations, streamlining the regulatory and permitting process. These helped reduce the cost of housing units and expanded the housing market to medium- and low-income buyers.
“I sincerely hope that SHDA will continue to work with the new administration and DHSUD to again make housing a top priority program of the government for the next six years, and to focus this time on addressing regulatory bottlenecks that have kept us from catching up with the housing backlog,” said De Guzman.
SHDA Chief Marketing Officer Steven Tambunting emphasized that since its inception 52 years ago, SHDA has evolved to be more responsive and relevant to the needs of its developer members. It was instrumental in the re-opening of the housing sector right after the lockdown. The pandemic also served as a catalyst to the adoption of innovative technologies and green and sustainable building methods among small and medium developers. “Disruption brings about greater efficiencies and will help us achieve our goal of wiping out the housing backlog by the year 2030,” Tambunting said. “We aim to bring these innovations to our members to future-proof our industry.”
To usher in a more dynamic era, SHDA revealed its brand new logo, reflecting the organization’s modernization and focus on the future-proofing of the local housing industry. It also unveiled its refreshed website to serve as a place where members and partners can converge to solve problems, be updated, grow together, and be connected. Among the website features are a members-only portal that will foster networking and collaboration.
“Our new logo expresses our evolution as an organization, grounded in our sturdy foundations, and remaining vibrant while adapting to a changing industry,” said SHDA First Vice President Maya Jazmin Colayco. “Our website has also enhanced our capacity to adapt to current and future needs and increase interactions amongst our members.”
Colayco’s remarks preceded the debut of SHDA Connect Newsletter, which serves as an avenue for current housing and real estate updates and springboards the advocacies, activities, and all developments in the property and housing industry.
“As much as we already have our digital footprint, we want to strengthen our commitments and progress by putting them in black and white,” said Ways and Means and PR Committees Vice-Chair Vince Abejo. “This is our humble way of reassuring you that we are here, keeping our commitment to being your reliable allies in creating safe spaces for Filipino families for the years to come.”