Sen. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito backed initiatives for regional housing development, calling for increased government-private sector collaboration during the 31st National Developers Convention.
Ejercito, who chairs the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement, also addressed the legislative agenda for the housing sector during the second day of the convention.
He emphasized the need for support from the government and private sector in order to address the country's housing needs.
The senator also mentioned the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc.'s (SHDA) involvement in the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and said that it is the key catalyst for this backlog to be addressed.
"SHDA has been instrumental in helping us pass the landmark legislation that is the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. It's a landmark legislation putting all key shelter agencies under one roof. So, from a mere coordinating council before, having a full-fledged department now of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is a message already in itself that the government itself is seriously addressing the housing problem in the country," Senator Ejercito said,
SHDA successfully hosted the event under the banner of "LOKAL NA BAI: Building Nationwide Growth Through Regional Development" at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City drawing housing industry professionals and experts to discuss crucial topics related to housing, regional development, and their impact on national progress.
Around 500 developers, policymakers, suppliers, and stakeholders from the housing industry convened during this two-day convention to explore innovative approaches for boosting economic growth at the grassroots level while contributing to broader national development goals.
The second day of the convention focused on regional success stories in real estate development. It included presentations and discussions that highlighted outstanding best practices of Local Government Units (LGUs), regional strategies for real estate development, and housing legislation.
Meanwhile, SDHA National President, Ar. Leonardo Dayao Jr. stated that, "The organization is composed of 300 developers nationwide. So we're helping each other, complementing the efforts of the Department of Human Services. We need to look into the challenges and there's several challenges that we need to coordinate with policy makers, and also financial institutions. No, because affordability is also an issue, and that's not just the cost of production. That also involves the affordability, which can be your interest rates on the loans."
In addition to discussions on legislative agendas and local governance, the creative spaces of real estate were also highlighted during the panel discussion with Mr. Hanky-Lee, Innkeeper of The Henry Hotels, Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue who is an industrial designer known for his innovative designs and furniture internationally, and Mr. Slater Young, CEO of Litecrete Corporation and 8990 Brand Ambassador.
To cap off the event, the passing of relevant resolutions in the housing industry was also conducted, highlighting the pivotal role in guiding policy, addressing challenges, and promoting inclusive and sustainable housing development.
Arlene Keh, Chairman of SHDA, expressed pride in organizing a convention that not only addressed industry challenges but also facilitated networking, collaboration, and the exchange of innovative ideas.
The convention sponsors for the event include 8990 Holdings Inc., Banco de Oro (BDO), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Holcim, MyCitiHomes, China Bank, APEC Homes, Davies Paints Philippines, Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF), Joy-Nostalg, SMDC, Ayala Land, Phinma Construction Materials Group, Steeltech Colored Roofing, EastWest Bank, and Cebu LandMasters.