Government integrates housing efforts to help spur economy

MANILA, Philippines  —  The government has activated its regional housing committee across the country in a bid to synchronize housing and development efforts.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said the creation of the Regional Human Settlements and Urban Development Coordinating Committee (RHSUDCC) and key shelter agencies would help boost the national economy.

All the 16 regional offices of DHSUD have been activated for an effective and timely implementation of housing and urban development projects nationwide.

DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said the latest development is an integral step in building synergy within the housing agencies and acts as a growth driver for the country.

“Our consolidated efforts will stimulate the growth of thriving communities, which would strengthen our position in uplifting the lives of our people and invigorate the development of our countryside,” Del Rosario said.

“This is a proof of open cooperation shared with our key shelter agencies in fulfilling our mandate of providing resilient and sustainable homes and communities to the underprivileged,” he said.

The RHSUDCC was created to ensure that all housing and urban development projects, programs and activities within a certain region are streamlined and complementary.

It is composed of DHSUD regional director as chairperson and regional heads of the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, Human Settlements Adjudication Commission, National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., and Social Housing Finance Corp. as members.

It is also mandated to formulate housing and urban development plans on the regional level.

Further, it is responsible for the coordination with local government units and other national agencies to facilitate the implementation of housing projects and the operation of the housing one-stop processing centers in the regional offices.

It will partner with the private sector to deliver regional plans and targets and conduct research studies, develop and recommend policies, priority programs and projects with corresponding budget proposals.