New SHDA leaders vow to push further reforms

CEBU, Philippines — The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), Inc. new leadership team in 2024 commits to push further policy reforms and renewed focus on setting benchmarks for sustainable development in the Philippines.

Newly elected SHDA chairman Architect Leonardo Dayao, Jr., said together with the leaders of housing developers in the Philippines, SHDA will work closely with the government to reshape the housing landscape in the country.

Dayao has stepped into his new role as Chairman following his stint as SHDA’s National President in 2022.

Dayao brings 25 years of experience working in the real estate industry. He is currently the Senior Vice President and General Manager at Pueblo De Oro Development Corporation. In addition to his professional roles, he is also a member of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Diliman Chapter.

The new board of officers, governors, and advisers took their oath before the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary, Sec. Jose Rizalino “Jerry” L. Acuzar last January 25, 2024.

Lawyer Joy Manaog, previously the 1st Vice President, took over as the new National President with a bold agenda with her experience as the current Legal Director of PHirst Park Homes Inc. and has been serving at SHDA’s Board of Governors for the past four years.

“In 2024, SHDA is dedicated to pioneering inclusive and sustainable housing solutions for all Filipinos. Our collaborative efforts with various stakeholders aim to streamline regulatory processes, ensuring the development of quality, affordable housing," Manaog emphasized.

Joining Dayao and Manaog on the Board are Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas as the 1st Vice President; Mr. Arnold Leigh Ryan Choa as 2nd Vice President; Atty. Mena Ojeda Jr. as Corporate Secretary; Renelyn Tan-Castillejos as Assistant Corporate Secretary; Ms. Clarissa De Joya as National Treasurer; Ms. Gena Valerie Chua as Auditor; and Ms. Maya Jazmin Colayco as Chief Marketing Officer.

SHDA’s Regional Chapters will be led by a team of dedicated Chapter Presidents, each bringing local insights and strategies to the forefront: Dennis Leveriza Jr. for Southern Luzon; John Paul Dy for Central Luzon;  Anthony Noel for Central Visayas; M. Gen. Rufo De Veyra for Eastern Visayas; Steven Brian Jison for Negros; Elizabeth Belmonte for Panay; Kenneth Yap for Southern Mindanao; and Vivian Vestil for Northern Mindanao.

SHDA has also named a new set of Board of Governors, including Maria Eileen Doyle; Mr. Rene Ledesma Jr.; KerwinPadua; Steven Tambunting; Herbert Tan; and Cesar Lee Hiong Wee Jr.

Meanwhile, the newly elected Board of Advisers, comprising industry veterans such as Armenia Ballesteros; Ricky Celis;  Bansan Choa; Guiliermo Choa;  Raphael Felix; Arlene Keh; Mariano Martinez; Jeffrey Ng;  May Rodriguez; George Siy; and Rosie Tsai, will provide strategic guidance, drawing on their extensive experience.

The new appointments come after a transformative year for the organization.

In 2023, SHDA launched its corporate social responsibility initiative, SHDA Cares, and established a fresh partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines. Alongside continued collaborations with government agencies such as Pag-IBIG and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), these developments emphasize SHDA's commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through housing initiatives, Dayao added.