Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA) strongly backed the review of the housing industry roadmap 2012-2030 to stay current with the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.
SHDA Chairman Arlene Keh noted in a statement that the roadmap was initially created for the years 2012 to 2030 in collaboration with the Centre for Research and Communication.
However, to stay current with the ever-evolving landscape, Keh explained that the roadmap is presently undergoing updates to account for emerging trends and new developments in the industry.
She cited the need to meet the young working middle-class needs and address the challenges with immediate intervention. These two goals are also aligned with the housing roadmap. The industry has estimated a housing backlog of 5.6 million units.
Likewise, she highlighted the importance of tackling climate change and embracing disruptive technologies for improved construction and project management.
“Roadmap solutions are aimed to help the government bridge this [supply and demand] gap and serve as a guide for both the government and the private sector in the pursuit of strategies, policies, and overall growth and development in the housing industry,” said Keh.
SHDA envisions the next decade to be a transformative period where housing becomes a flourishing sector and a driver of economic growth and a catalyst for social intervention.
According to the group, the housing industry roadmap should center around four crucial pillars: firstly, ensuring access to land for settlements and streamlining the permitting process; secondly, finding sustainable and affordable housing solutions; thirdly, boosting the production of resilient and innovative housing communities; and finally, incentivizing private sector engagement in segments grappling with high housing backlogs.
In line with these efforts, SHDA has also expressed their support to the creation and institutionalization of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), as well as the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) Program of the current administration.
For his part, SHDA National President Ar. Leonardo “Bido” Dayao noted that critical to the roadmap is the maintenance of their strong partnership with the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), also known as the Pag-IBIG Fund. This includes sustainable financing for both developers and buyers as the common objective of SHDA and Pag-IBIG.
“HDMF has actually announced the availability of some P125 billion for home financing and SHDA members will continue to build and deliver quality and affordable housing to support and access the HDMF plan,” said Dayao.
SHDA also aims to assist a substantial number of overseas Filipino workers in owning homes in the Philippines, utilizing online platforms and exhibitions to showcase available housing units and products.
Keh cited SHDA’s active involvement in promoting sustainability and inclusivity in housing. They support government policies and planning at both national and local levels, integrating these values into strategies, policies, and programs for the benefit of developers and homebuyers.