The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) presented to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) some of its proposals to address the backlog in the country.
These include the adoption of National Land Use Plan, rationalization through digitalization of permits as well as strengthening of incentives and addressing price ceilings.
SHDA officials led by chairman George Siy paid a courtesy call to DSHUD Secretary Jose Acuzar where they discussed initiatives that will speed up housing production.
SHDA said a National Land Use Plan with some balancing of the concerns of different sectors, preparation or updates at the national and local levels, would help organize and speed up development by both the government and the private sector in projects throughout the country.
SHDA added access to land, additional affordable forms of finance, and policies on vertical development, are some of the keys for expanding production of housing.
SHDA identified the rationalization of licensing and permitting process as an important priority, and the digitization of the required submissions and payments systems to government offices, and data sharing, would greatly reduce the cost of and time required for doing business, and redound to a more affordable cost of housing.
SHDA also suggested strengthening of the incentives and addressing the price ceilings, especially for socialized housing, saying these will enhance greater participation in housing activities that had been affected by inflation in materials, skilled labor, and raw land prices.
Acuzar cited the need to work hand-in-hand with the local government units, and the beneficiaries, in the maintenance of the housing in their jurisdiction.
Beyond housing, Acuzar also noted community planning will help reduce the cost of living for the buyers, enhance employment, and living standards, in dispersed areas.