Solon bats for creation of Department of Housing

CABANATUAN CITY – The proposal to create a Department of Housing is the ultimate cure-all for the Philippines’ perennial mass housing and squatter problem, a Nueva Ecija congressman said.

Third district Rep. Aurelio Umali (Lakas, Nueva Ecija), told The STAR that previous administrations have tried to find Solomonic solutions to the squatter problem not only in slum areas in rural communities but also in urban areas but ended up short.

"The creation of a Department of Housing is the real answer to the housing problem that beset our communities," Umali said, adding that the proposed department will coordinate all pro-housing programs, policies and concerns of the government.

The young legislator said the Arroyo administration should not back down to pressures from lobby groups opposing the proposed department. He cited the members of COURAGE or the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees who, he said, have not recognized the long-term, far-reaching positive effects of the creation of the proposal.

COURAGE members rallied in front of the House of Representatives building at the Batasan Complex last March 12 to oppose the creation of the housing department.

He said that while he acknowledged the right of the people to seek redress for their grievances, the House gate is not the proper venue to do it. ‘The proper forum for them is in the committee hearings where we can discuss the merits of the proposal," he said.

Umali explained that under the present set-up where there is no department to administer government housing programs, there is a need to further expand the housing program for necessary tooling. He said there are several agencies concerned with housing notably the Housing and Urban Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the National Housing Authority (NHA). "Right now, which of them really has the all-encompassing authority on housing?" he asked.

He clarified, however, that despite the many housing agencies, this does not mean that there is no one calling the shots, citing housing czar Mike Defensor who he said has been doing a splendid job of trying to solve the growing transition and homelessness.

He said that in a country where the population is growing rapidly, the concomitant problem of squatters and mass housing is attendant, even in urban communities. He cited Cabanatuan which is one of the cities covered by his district, where, he observed, squatters have sprouted.

The Department of Housing, if created, would, according to Umali, serve as an umbrella organization that will oversee, supervise and coordinate all mass housing programs.