Urgently pressing for resolution of housing shortage, SHDA insists on removing impediments
Facing a Housing Crisis: SHDA Steps Up with a 55-Year Plan
Amidst the Philippines' staggering 6.5 million housing shortage, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) is leveraging its 55th anniversary to push forward with innovative solutions.
"We've got history on our side," SHDA president, engineer Francis Richmond Villegas, remarks. "But we're not just reminiscing about the past; we're looking to the future. The housing predicament is escalating, and it calls for an organized, data-driven, and inclusive response. SHDA is determined to lead this mission."
SHDA's anniversary celebration is set for May 20, with 350 members nationwide.
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Over the years, the association has been instrumental in shaping housing policies, refining regulations, and promoting sustainable and budget-friendly housing development nationwide.
Architect Leonardo Dayao Jr., SHDA's chairman, stresses the need to dismantle development obstacles that stifle housing production.
"The initial days were simpler; developers worked hand-in-hand with a central housing office. Today, while we face multiple approvals, public hearings, zoning procedures, and environmental permits, these processes are vital for sustainable development," Dayao explains. "However, to conquer the housing gap, we must streamline systems, generate political will, and boost public-private cooperation to successfully face the hurdles ahead."
In 2024, the PHIR 2025-2040 Roadmap was unveiled at the National Developers Convention. This blueprint serves as a compass to identify critical obstacles in housing development and propose long-term strategies to meet escalating demand while aligning with broader economic objectives.
"The roadmap isn't just a pipe dream; it's a framework for action," Villegas underscores. "It offers practical measures to enhance housing accessibility, foster sustainability, and promote inclusivity, especially in provinces. We aim to make this a living document, guiding government and developers alike."
Currently, SHDA is concentrating on regional empowerment through its eight regional chapters, aiming to tackle local challenges and extend services to developers at the grassroots level.
The organization continues to advocate for the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program and has successfully lobbied for policies alleviating burdens on both developers and homebuyers, including the recent adjustment of price ceilings for socialized and low-cost housing under DHSUD-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-001.
Furthermore, the association is embracing innovation to modernize the housing sector. This encompasses championing eco-friendly building practices, utilizing local materials, and exploring artificial intelligence potential to optimize construction processes.
SHDA intends to organize study tours in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to facilitate the adoption of best international practices among local developers.
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As the housing landscape evolves, SHDA will continue to mobilize, advocate, and innovate in pursuit of a sustainable and accessible living environment for all Filipinos.
The housing crisis cannot be solved overnight, but by sticking together and working collaboratively, SHDA aims to close the housing gap one development at a time.
[1] http://www.shda.ph/philescon-2022/[2] https://www.businessworldonline.com/urban-development/persistent-housing-backlog-plagues-ph/[3] https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/05/17/business/business-top-stories/house-mulls-solutions-to- Address-housing-backlog/1109536/[4] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/property/731870/shda-hails-budget-2023-as-probusiness-prohousing-for-filipinos/story/
- The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), in the Philippines, is spearheading an effort to combat a 6.5 million housing shortage with a 55-year plan.
- SHDA president, engineer Francis Richmond Villegas, emphasizes the need for an organized, data-driven, and inclusive response to the escalating housing predicament.
- Architect Leonardo Dayao Jr., SHDA's chairman, calls for dismantling development obstacles that hinder housing production, such as numerous approvals, public hearings, zoning procedures, and environmental permits.
- SHDA's advocacy includes lobbying for the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program and working towards alleviating burdens on developers and homebuyers.
- In addition to advocacy, SHDA is exploring innovation to modernize the housing sector, such as eco-friendly building practices, local materials, and artificial intelligence to optimize construction processes.
- To learn from international best practices, SHDA plans to organize study tours in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
