The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for Governance-Policy Research Office (CFG-PRO), held the seventh and final installment of the Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program’s Thursday Talks: Webinar Series on Socio-Political and Economic Perspectives entitled “Securing Filipino Communities with Accessible and Affordable Housing” for 2022.
The webinar explored the current state of housing in the Philippines and discussed how the government can lessen the housing backlog while promoting sustainable urban planning and community welfare.
Environmental Planner Mylene A. Rivera, director at the Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), described the housing situation in the country and stated that “by the end of 2022, the estimated housing needs will accumulate to 6.5 million, where 3.7 million of these are from informal settler families (ISFs), while only 1.1 million housing units will be produced.” Recognizing the importance of easing this backlog especially for ISFs, Rivera presented the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH), the DHSUD’s main housing program, which aims to address 100 percent of the housing needs of ISFs by 2040. She also underscored that housing is “not just a government expense but an important investment that will only reap social benefits for the beneficiaries and the community.”
During the next session, Cromwell C. Teves, acting department manager of the Corporate Planning Department of the National Housing Authority (NHA), focused on indigenous people’s housing, government employees housing program, halfway houses, NHA geographic data portal, and NHA’s programs, including the resettlement assistance programs to LGUs. He also shared the challenges and opportunities the agency faces in its mandate of implementing housing developments and resettlements.
(From top-left, clockwise: DHSUD Director Ms. Mylene A. Rivera, NHA Acting Department Manager Cromwell C. Teves, NEDA OIC-Chief Economic Development Specialist Kevin M. Godoy, and OSHDP Chairman of the Board Engr. Marcelino C. Mendoza)
Panel discussants Kevin M. Godoy, OIC-chief economic development specialist of the Social Development Staff of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and Engr. Marcelino C. Mendoza, chairman of the board of the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP), presented recommendations to improve the housing sector. Godoy discussed an assessment based on NEDA’s scoping study, while Mendoza cited suggestions for the 4PH housing program based on his experience in the private sector. Both discussants expressed that partnerships between the government and private sector are important to resolve the housing backlogs.
Dr. Julieta R. Roa, a senior fellow of DAP’s Council of Fellows, moderated the webinar. She shared her insights and provided a synthesis of the webinar by reiterating the topics discussed in each session.
The webinar was conducted on November 17 and was attended by some 136 participants from the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives.
The livestream of this event can be accessed through the Policy Research Office Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DAPCFGPRO.
Nikka Thea F. Cunom