The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will integrate and automate the country’s land use data as part of the general plan to further improve the government’s efforts to provide decent and resilient housing projects especially in urban areas.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar explained that the digitalize data will be accessible and will serve as the guide for well-coordinated planning among government, non-government organizations and other stakeholders for urban planning and development processes toward enhanced building smart, green, resilient and inclusive human settlements.

He said this will be all under the Planado program which is aimed at achieving zero backlog on Comprehensive Land Use Plans and Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans by 2028 and promote urban development for the next generation.

Under the Planado Program, Acuzar said they will employ tools and strategies to integrate and automate land use and urban data, plans and processes.

“It will also institutionalize a recognition and awards program to incentivize notable initiatives and projects on land use and urban development, and establish a network of planning professionals and practitioners for the development of smart sustainable human settlements,” he said.

During the launching of the program, DHSUD Undersecretary Henry Yap highlighted the significance of supporting and assisting local government units and various "urban actors" in planning to improve cities and communities.

“At the Department, apart from building and implementing shelter programs, we see ourselves as facilitators in the planning process. We help different stakeholders, from government agencies to local communities, to coordinate our actions towards the common goal of creating a well-planned community,” said Yap.