October 06, 2023 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscored the importance of a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors in ensuring that Filipinos have improved access to affordable housing.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan discussed the strategies and priority legislative agenda of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 for the housing sector with housing and property developers during the 31st National Developers Convention (NatCon), held in Cebu City on October 5, 2023.
“To address the challenges identified in the PDP, the livability of communities shall be pursued along three key outcomes: the promotion of the social environment, the improvement of environmental quality, and the upgrading of the built environment. All three outcomes will be supported by a responsive governance system that is accessible and ensures that livability of communities can be sustained,” Balisacan said.
The event was organized by the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
One of the PDP 2023-2028’s goals for the housing sector is to establish livable communities in order to promote human and social development.
“It aims to upgrade and plan human settlements in a way that offers inclusive and resilient opportunities that would improve human well-being while also contributing to the economic vitality of the community. This vitality will enhance the quality of life and attract businesses, making these areas financial centers, whether urban or rural,” the NEDA chief said.
In his presentation, Balisacan also enumerated the priority legislation of the PDP 2023-2028 for the housing sector, which includes the National Land Use Bill, the Rental Subsidy and Access to Public Rental Housing Act, and the National Housing Authority Act and amendments to the NHMFC Charter.
“The legislative agenda, aligned with the key strategies, will prioritize laws that can help address the needs of the housing sector,” he remarked.
Balisacan also emphasized the importance of improving the housing sector of the country, especially in the greater effort of achieving the AmBisyon Natin 2040.
“The AmBisyon Natin 2040 is our country’s collective long-term vision which aims to ensure that all Filipinos will enjoy a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life by 2040. It identifies housing and urban development as a priority sector that can help Filipinos achieve their goal of living in comfortable homes with desired amenities and security of tenure,” he said.
Balisacan remarked that events like the NatCon are appropriate platforms for stakeholders to align their efforts and collaborate in tackling the challenges that the country’s housing sector faces.
“Indeed, we look forward to greater opportunities for collaboration with industry stakeholders as we collectively work towards attaining a vibrant and robust sector and in realizing a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay for all Filipinos,” he said.
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