VOL. 2 NO.

1
MARCH 2021

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

DHSUD@2:
Tahanang ligtas, abot-kaya at matatag,
pamayanang matiwasay at panatag

2021 Key strategies National Women’s Month Marawi City:

P14 celebration P12 Rising better P32
 Editor’s Note 3

Contents Secretary’s Corner

Welcome to the anniversary issue of The Shelter!
As all anniversaries go, it was a joyous occasion — even if festivities
were somehow tempered due to the ongoing pandemic — nevertheless, it
was celebrated in a way such a milestone deserves.

Happy 2nd Anniversary

For this issue, we have featured both in-person and virtual activities
that marked the event at our Central and Regional Offices, joined by our
3 SECRETARY’S CORNER
attached and Key Shelter Agencies. 4 - 5 PROFILES

L
We’ve also laid out the Department’s key strategies for the year, placed
a spotlight on Pag-IBIG Fund’s stellar 2020 and paid tribute to the women
NEWS ast February 14, we celebrated the second anniversary of
in the housing sector for our Women’s Month Special.
6 Developers’ 2021 board, officers sworn in the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Devel­
7 PH’s housing build bible
The Shelter also peeked behind the writing of the country’s housing opment. While it may seem that very little time has passed
8 - 9 Pag-IBIG’s stellar 2020
build bible authored by Administrative Service Director Atty. Alvin
10 New homes for Bulacan PAPs since the Department was created, it was time well spent devoted
Claridades. Cooperation, legislative support eyed to fulfilling our mandate.
Our social media followers may recognize their names and contribution 11 Shelter pact with LGUs It is a period when we have seen and encountered all sorts of
in our new section, Vox Pop, where we combined suggestions of experts and things: the highs and lows of managing a new department, the
the public on improving the delivery of public housing and related services. WOMEN’S MONTH SPECIAL numerous disasters and calamities that struck our country and,
12 - 13 Juanas of DHSUD:
If you notice, dear readers, we’ve added four more pages, making it 32, of course, the ongoing pandemic.
Making mark in men’s world
in our effort to amplify DHSUD’s commitment for transparency through our Though there were trials — both small and major — these
full and heartfelt stories on the delivery of our mandate toward sustainable 14 - 15 2021 KEY STRATEGIES very struggles are what forge our strength and spirit as persons,
and resilient housing and communities for all Filipinos. as public servants and as a Department. Fueled by our commit­
HIGHLIGHT
For the two years that have been, cheers to all of us!
16 - 21 DHSUD @ 2: ment and our desire to serve, we persevered. We used our
Building homes, communities triumphs as inspiration to press on. And we made the most of
and partnership amid pandemic every opportunity to draw valuable lessons and experiences. Allow me to convey my appreciation to everyone who has
Editorial Board
As such, we have plenty to be grateful for, and we welcome contributed to keep the Department running amid the chal­
Chairman of the Board FROM THE REGIONS such an auspicious occasion with gratitude and hope. lenges we have faced and are currently facing. Performing our
Secretary Eduardo D. Del Rosario 22 - 23 First regional building
This year’s anniversary theme, “Tahanang ligtas, abot-kaya at mandate despite the limited financial resources and human
Members More ROs open
24 - 25 BALAI Project for landslide victims matatag, pamayanang matiwasay at panatag,” perfectly encap­ capital is no easy feat. But with your help and support, our
Undersecretary Atty. Marylin M. Pintor Director Atty. Michael Victor C. Tezon
Undersecretary Meynardo A. Sabili Director Stefan Ema Mae P. Corregidor DHSUD-4A evaluates Taal aid sulates what we stand for as a government institution — the teamwork and dedication propelled all of us forward.
Undersecretary Zyril D. Carlos Director Mylene A. Rivera DHSUD-5 partners with REBAP pursuit of our collective vision of providing decent, resilient and Every bit and piece of your hard work and dedication made
Asst. Secretary Melissa A. Aradanas OIC-Director Atty. Angelito F. Aguila
Asst. Secretary Leira S. Buan OIC-Director Atty. Ma. Lorina J. Rigor
affordable housing in well-planned communities to Filipino us what we are today. Thank you, and I look forward to serving
Asst. Sec. Atty. Avelino D. Tolentino III OIC-Director Jeanette E. Cruz
26 - 27 VOX POP families. alongside all of you and discovering what more we can offer
Head Executive Asst. Leouel A. Santos OIC-Director Nora L. Diaz
Director Atty. Alvin T. Claridades OIC-Director Rowena P. Dineros 28 MEDIA CORNER It serves as a reminder of our two-fold responsibility that, yes, and deliver. Our cooperation will only lead us to much greater
we provide homes and we must also create effective and progres­ heights.
Editorial Staff 29 DHSUD DIRECTORY sive cities and communities that continue to grow and develop. As we enter our second year, I am making it a personal chal­
Editor-in-Chief BANGON MARAWI Part of this endeavor is to give our kababayans neighborhoods lenge and motivation to overcome adversities and accomplish
Mario J. Mallari
30 - 32 Marawi City: From an outsider’s perspective that are safe and secure with a healthy environment, links to even more this 2021. We have set the Department’s priori­
Managing Editor Road to recovery: Marawi rehab 50% complete transportation and opportunities for livelihood and the crafting ties for 2021 to respond to the needs of time and proactively
Myriam G. Layaoen of innovative solutions that will uplift their living situation. prepare for emerging challenges.
Editor/Art Director The pandemic has taught us the importance of health and We are in the process of crafting a comprehensive devel­
Mariae Francesca R. Acosta Connect with us safety in designing homes and communities. Aside from being opment plan for the housing and urban development sector.
News Editor
Send your contributions, messages and feedback adequate and affordable, it is imperative to ensure that the Out-of-the-box solutions and innovative programs and strate­
Christian V. Cabajar
houses and communities meet the minimum guidelines that gies in view of the expanded mandate of the Department and
Creative Director
to [email protected] or [email protected]
protect the populace from COVID-19 and other emer­g ing and the changing needs of the time are inevitable.
Glory M. Duller
re-emerging infectious diseases. This translates to good venti­ To my fellow public servants and partners in the housing
Writer lation, sufficient open spaces for parks, plazas, gardens and play­ and urban development sector, let us not stop dreaming and
Adriana T. Roncesvalles
About the cover grounds and dedicated areas for physical distancing, quarantine doing all we can for the Department and our countrymen. Let

D
Photographer/Writer
HSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario and isolation. us continue working together until we turn our vision of buil­
Mary Lyn M. Bosogon
(center) leads the celebration of the I am optimistic because I now have the full complement of ding well-planned, climate-resilient, vibrant, inclusive and
Editorial Assistant
Department’s second anniversary. This Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries to help steer the orga­ sustainable communities and human settlements into reality.
Lorraine P. Valencia
year’s theme, “Tahanang ligtas, abot-kaya at nization and bring all possibilities to life. Our competent and Again, thank you and happy anniversary to all of us!
Contributors matatag, pamayanang matiwasay at panatag,” hardworking directors at the Central and Regional Offices and
Domingo C. Jacinto Jr. Jan Estefan Revoltar Ronely P. Millar
Ed Alain G. Aguelo Nini Go Sanchez Pantaleon A. Morallos Jr. embodies the vision of the Department of the supportive heads of our attached agencies help us accom­
providing decent, resilient and affordable plish our mission and deliver quality outputs to our clientele.
shelters in well-planned communities for all Let us also not forget our active stakeholders — the local govern­
The Official Publication of The Department of Human Settlements and Filipinos. Also in the photo are: (from left) ment units, the private sector that includes partner-devel­opers
Urban Development Assistant Secretaries Melissa Aradanas and and civil society organizations who serve as our allies in housing
DHSUD Building, Kalayaan Avenue corner Mayaman Street, Diliman, Leira Buan, Undersecretaries Marylin Pintor, Meynardo Sabili and Zyril provision, community development and nation-building. SECRETARY EDUARDO D. DEL ROSARIO
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1101 Carlos, and Assistant Secretary Avelino Tolentino III. Photo and illustration
www.dhsud.gov.ph   [email protected] by Mary Lyn M. Bosogon and Glory M. Duller.
@DHSUDgovph
4
MARCH 2021

Profiles ZYRIL D. CARLOS

UNDERSECRETARY
Usec Carlos is the Undersecretary for the Department’s Support Services and Secretary Del Rosario’s
second when it comes to overseeing the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
MARYLIN M. PINTOR His straightforward approach and being a well-known action man has helped him earn key positions
UNDERSECRETARY in various public and private organizations, including serving as Board Member of the Development Bank
of the Philippines Leasing Corporation, Manager of Services Security Unit of the Bases Conversion and
Lyn, as close friends fondly call her, is an independent woman and servant-leader. She was appointed
Development Authority, Consultant for Maritime Planning of First Gen LNG Corporation and Chief of Staff
by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on January 18, 2021, as Undersecretary and subsequently
of the former Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) prior to joining DHSUD.
designated by Secretary Eduardo D. Del Rosario as his Deputy Secretary.
Behind his tall stature and seemingly stoic persona lies a jolly fellow as attested by those who closely
She is certainly not a novice in government service having served for over 30 years in various
work with him.
positions and in different regions before she was appointed Commissioner of the Housing and Land
A retired Rear Admiral from the Philippine Navy, Usec Zyril served in the military for 38 years where he
Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) in 2019, and later as Commissioner of the Human Settlements
held several command, operation and administrative posts, including as Inspector General of the Armed
Adjudication Commission. After the enactment of Republic Act 11201, she led the team that crafted
Forces of the Philippines. He belongs to Philippine Military Academy “Mapitagan” Class of 1980 and
its Implementing Rules and Regulations. She also took the helm in several committees throughout the
studied at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, US, the Asian Institute of Management and at
transition to DHSUD, including the Transition and Placement Committees and the technical working
the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business for his Masters in Business Administration.
group to review existing policies of the HLURB.
Before joining the housing sector, Usec Pintor served with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
as Director of the General Administration Office and CHR-Caraga.
She is an alumna of Ateneo de Davao University for both her degrees in Bachelor of Laws and
Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accounting where she graduated Cum Laude. By profession,
she is a lawyer and a Certified Public Accountant. She earned her Master in Public Management from
the Development Academy of the Philippines.

JENNIFER C. BRETAÑA RICHARD L. MANILA JANN ROBY R. OTERO

DIRECTOR IV, REGIONAL OFFICE 12 DIRECTOR IV, REGIONAL OFFICE 5 DIRECTOR IV, REGIONAL OFFICE 4A
Regional Director (RD) Bretaña stands RD Manila is a registered civil engineer Jeck, to his peers, is the trailblazer of
at the head of DHSUD SOCCSKSARGEN and a lawyer by profession. As DHSUD- DHSUD’s CALABARZON office, whose
ready to lead with integrity and the heart 5’s head, he has shown dedication in style has been marked with his close
MYLENE A. RIVERA for the underprivileged and delivering excellent public service engagement with stakeholders
AVELINO D. TOLENTINO III DIRECTOR IV, PLANNING SERVICE low-income families. to all clientele. and giving his best effort in every
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Director “Myles” Rivera currently leads the Planning An urban and regional planner, she He always sees the best in his staff and endeavor.
Asec Tolentino is a career civil servant, lawyer and urban Service, Project Management Office for the Department of pursues to build creative and sustainable encourages them regularly to perform His battle cry “kada adlaw kugi, kada
planner who has been active in the housing sector for over a Transportation’s Resettlement Project and Secretariat of the communities and spaces towards poverty beyond their capacity by challenging and adlaw agi,” or “everyday effort, everyday
decade. He currently oversees the eight support services of National Human Settlements Board. reduction and a comfortable life boosting them with his inspiring words of accomplishment,” has been a mantra
the Department. Prior to joining DHSUD, she was a Director of the Housing and for all Filipinos. wisdom and leadership. in his dealings with co-workers and
Prior to his appointment at DHSUD, he was the Deputy Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and headed This has been evident in her 18 years He has served the public for 22 years, stakeholders and in his development as
Secretary General for the HUDCC and, most recently, the its Regional Operations Group, and Community Development as a former Provincial Planning and first as an arbiter before formally joining leader and public servant.
Head of Legal for the National Housing Authority. He also Group for 13 years. Development Coordinator of South the HLURB where he served as a Regional Prior to his designation to DHSUD, he
consulted for the City of Manila and UN-Habitat on housing She has extensive experience in housing and urban Cotabato, which was spent introducing Officer in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, served as HLURB RD for Northern Luzon
and urban development policies. development, project management, community development and facilitating grassroots-level Cagayan De Oro, Davao and and Southern Tagalog.
Asec Tolentino obtained his MS in Regional Development and post-disaster shelter rehabilitation. interventions and championing open Bicol Region. He has received numerous awards and
Planning under a German Academic Exchange Director Rivera is an Environmental Planner. She is a graduate of government initiatives. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Civil distinctions, including, as mayor, the
scholarship and was a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at the BS in Biology and Master in Environmental Management. She is She is a licensed Environmental Planner Engineering at the Bicol University and Outstanding Local Chief Executive Award
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. completing her Master in National Security Administration at the who ranked first in the country during the Bachelor of Laws at Aquinas University from the Department of Environment and
National Defense College of the Philippines. licensure examination in 2013. of Legazpi . Natural Resources.
 BEHIND THE PAGES:
6 NEWS MARCH 2021

The Philippines’
housing build bible
The Shelter recently sat with Administrative Service Director Atty. Alvin
DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario administers oath to 2021 board and officers (clockwise from top) of the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Claridades (right) to talk about his latest book. DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del
Philippines, National Real Estate Association and Subdivision and Housing Developers Association.
Photos by Mary Lyn M. Bosogon and Christian V. Cabajar
Rosario (left) gave a shout out to the feat, which he revealed to be 10 years in the
making, during the Department’s second anniversary program. As snoops, we

Developers’ 2021 board,

wanted a glimpse into the story behind its writing.

Question: Can you give us a brief back- provide on critical

officers sworn in
ground on your book? areas of concerns as
The book on The Revised Implementing Rules standards for economic
and Regulations (IRR) of the National Build- and socialized housing
Photo by Mary Lyn M. Bosogon
ing Code, Annotated, accompanied by its projects, statutes and regu­
referral codes such as Batas Pambansa Blg. lations protecting the interests of subdi­ ing images to fit the pages and make their
BY CHRISTIAN V. CABAJAR 220 and the Revised Rules and Standards for vision and condominium buyers as well as texts readable.

I
Economic & Socialized Housing Projects, and the green building code.
n upholding its mandate of providing furthering the harmonious relationship “So, it means that you are one with us Presidential Decree No. 957 or the Subdivision It will also complement the efforts of Question: Who are your target readers?
resilient, sustainable and affordable that exists among them. in the mandate and mission of the Depart­ and Condominium Buyer’s Protective Decree Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario who, time It is a must-read for every player in the
housing and communities to Filipi­ On January 26, SHDA 2021 officers, led ment to help the poorest of the poor and and its Revised IRR, is a compendium of and again, has advocated not only for building and housing industry whose
nos, particularly the underprivileged, the by National Chairperson Rosie Tsai and low-income families so that they will major laws, rules and regulations on build­ decent and affordable housing for everyone, duties are, among others, to safeguard life,
Department of Human Settlements and elected President Mary Rodriguez, were have the comfort of their homes through ing and housing design standards. with special attention on the marginalized health, property and public welfare, and
Urban Development (DHSUD) has been sworn in and pledged the organization’s your projects,” he added, as he thanked The idea of coming up with a tome of sector, but also for strong and sturdy shel­ to promote the principles of environmen­
leaning on the help and support of its commitment in supporting DHSUD’s DHSUD’s partner-developers. laws, rules and regulations on building and ters capable of withstanding the onslaught tal protection, as this will enable them to
stakeholders. pro-housing advocacies. The group A week later, Secretary Del Rosa­ housing standards sprang from my desire of typhoons packing winds of up to 250 plan comprehensively and in a wholis­
The Subdivision and Housing Devel­ vowed to continue supporting DHSUD in rio administered oath to the more than as an environmental lawyer and planner kilometers per hour and earthquakes as tic manner. Its detailed explanation of
opers Association (SHDA), the Organiza­ delivering quality but low-cost housing 100 officers and members of NREA at to provide students, civil engineers, archi­ strong as 7.2 magnitude. certain terms and phrases — many of
tion of Socialized and Economic Housing communities for Filipinos. DHSUD’s Central Office’s board room. tects, building constructors, local planners them too technical and legal to be imme­
Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP), OSHDP’s induction of its officers Benigno Cabrieto Jr. was elected as and chief executives a handy reference tool Question: Was there any stumbling diately grasped — was made in a way that
the National Real Estate Association and members of the board for 2021 took chairman of the NREA 2021 Board of in their respective endeavors. block while writing the book? is simple and can easily be understood by
(NREA) and the Chamber of Real Estate place on February 16, 2021, which coin­ Trustees and Officers with Ricky Celis as With this compendium, the necessary The writing was not without any hitch. I its readers.
and Builders’ Associations Inc. (CREBA), cided with the 2 nd-year anniversary of the vice-chair. On the other hand, Imelda planning parameters and guiding stan­ was constrained by the dearth of domes­
through the years, have been serving as DHSUD. OSHDP Chairman Marcelino Magtoto became the National President dards that urban development stakehold­ tic reference materials which, if avail­ Question: Where can the public buy a
allies and partners in pushing for proac­ Mendoza and President Paolo Giovani and Marissa del Mar as the Chair of the ers direly need will now be literally at their able, could have aided tremendously in copy and how much?
tive measures meant to promote a more Olivares vowed to produce more resilient Board of Advisers. fingertips. expounding, by way of footnote annota­ Published by Central Books, Inc., the
vibrant and modern housing and urban and high-quality socialized housing units During the ceremony, Secretary Del tions, the numerous technical provisions book is available in all Central Bookstore
development sector. for underprivileged Filipino families and Rosario described NREA as DHSUD’s Question: How will the book benefit the and terms used in the codes and the rules outlets in Quezon City, Recto-Manila,
From setting real estate policies and boost the campaign against real estate “dear partner,” as it urged the organiza­ housing and urban development sector? and regulations issued pursuant to them. Lyceum-Makati, SM Megamall, Cebu and
protecting the interests of home buyers, scammers. tion to continue upholding its policies on It can serve as an important resource mate­ Not being a computer geek, I also had to Davao.
as well as legitimate salespersons and For his part, Secretary Del Rosario empowering further the housing and real rial for the housing and urban development face difficulties in encoding from online It can also be purchased online at
brokers, to enforcing proactive measures stressed the importance of DHSUD’s strat­ estate industry. sector, which will be immensely benefited materials posted in uncopiable formats https://bit.ly/3sWDham. Shelf price is
to ease public burden amid the COVID‑19 egy in augmenting engagements with by the wealth of information the book can and in formatting, sharpening, and resiz­ ₱1,880. — Christian V. Cabajar
pandemic, DHSUD’s partner-developers housing stakeholders.
have pitched in and performed a pivotal “Our program is a clear manifes­
role in promoting the Department’s tation of our oneness with the ABOUT THE AUTHOR
housing advocacies. private sector, most especially,
The induction of the new set of officers our partner-developers. Atty. Claridades is concurrently the Project College of Law and teaches at University of Asia Institute of the Philippines‑Manila and Bach-
of SHDA, OSHDP and NREA administered OSHDP is well-known for Director of the National Drive Against Profes- & the Pacific Institute of Law and Wesleyan elor of Laws from the PUP College of Law. He is
by DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario constructing settlements sional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates University Philippines-John Wesley School of also a licensed Environmental Planner.
himself is a clear testament of this part­ that would cover the social­ (NDAPSSS). Law & Governance. Hailing from the “fertility dance” town
nership. ized and economic housing cate­ He is a member of the faculty of the Poly- He earned his degree in Bachelor of Science of Obando, Bulacan, Atty. Claridades has
All parties expressed committment in gories,” Secretary Del Rosario said. technic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Civil Engineering from the Technological authored a total of 15 law books to date.
8 NEWS MARCH 2021

Pag-IBIG posts stellar As we brave the months

2020 accomplishments

2020 despite pandemic ahead, we assure MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS TOTAL ASSETS

our members and
stakeholders that we
₱48.2B P669.82
DIVIDENDS BILLION
will remain a reliable
₱29.4B
Despite the economic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,
vs TOTAL ASSETS as of 2019
the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund institution that they can count on, 11%
overturned it to deliver better service, which resulted in record
INCREASE P603.4B
growth in several key areas, according to top executives who
which is what we have been doing
announced the 2020 Chairman’s Report held online on March 3. every year in the last 40 years.
2020 DIVIDEND RATES
Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti
Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer
Highlights
₱13.3B
Pag-IBIG Pag-IBIG
Pag-IBIG Fund’s strong
MP2
BASIS OF 2020 DIVIDENDS
₱12.0B
REGULAR
MP2 SAVINGS
Year 2011 to 2020
11%
showing despite the pandemic
is a testament of how well 93.68% SAVINGS SAVINGS

₱13.3B 5.62% 6.12%

of annual net income
the Filipino workers’ fund is HIGHEST EVER PERCENTAGE
HIGHEST EVER AMOUNT 169% managed. And, as we continue RETURNED TO MEMBERS AS DIVIDENDS per annum per annum
SAVED BY MEMBERS!
₱4.47B
to support the call of President Rodrigo
243%
Duterte for government agencies to provide HIGHEST AMOUNT RELEASED 2020
₱820M
₱1.3B
more social benefits to more Filipinos, IN A SINGLE MONTH
₱367M ₱539M
59%
amid the pandemic HOUSING LOAN TAKEOUT
we are giving back ₱29.40-billion, which
₱284M 52%

₱63.75B
₱154M ₱162M 47%
29%
75%
P12.11B
96% 5%

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 is 93.68 percent of our net income to
P11.47B
members in the form of dividends.
2020 NET INCOME
Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario
DECEMBER
6%
INCREASE DECEMBER 63,750
P31.18 BILLION Pag-IBIG
2019 2020
MEMBERS WITH NEW HOMES
Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairman WHERE THEY CAN BE SAFE
12,275 Members with
new homes HOUSING

2017-2020 NET INCOME

PAG-IBIG FUND’S 2020 NET INCOME vs
LOWEST EVER
LOAN SOCIALIZED
HOUSING LOAN TAKEOUT
TOP BANKS & COMPANIES
INTEREST RATES
P33.17B P34.37B
P7.18B
4TO SURPASS THE
P31.18B P31.18B
P30.27B
th From July 1 to December 29, 2020
STRAIGHT YEAR
4.985% 5.375% 16,975
P21.4B
P18.6B P18.0B P17.1B
P13.8B
P30 BILLION per annum
UNDER A 1-YEAR
per annum
UNDER A 3-YEAR
MEMBERS FROM THE MINIMUM-WAGE SECTOR,
NOW WITH HOMES OF THEIR OWN
NET INCOME MARK! REPRICING PERIOD REPRICING PERIOD

2017 2018 2019 2020 Pag-IBIG Fund BPI Globe SM Prime Landbank Metrobank
Telecom

Data courtesy of Pag-IBIG Fund. Infographic by Glory M. Duller and MFRA

10 NEWS MARCH 2021 NEWS 11
MARCH 2021

New homes for families affected DHSUD seals shelter pacts with LGUs
by railway project in Bulacan TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN V. CABAJAR

T
he Department continues to cement ties
TEXT AND PHOTO BY MARY LYN M. BOSOGON and sign partnership agreements with
local government units (LGU) around the
country in its effort to provide resilient, sustain-
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan – The Department of Human Settlements able and affordable housing communities to
and Urban Development (DHSUD) along with the local govern­ Filipinos, especially in provinces with ongoing
ment unit (LGU) of Guiguinto, Bulacan and partner-agencies resettlement projects for informal settlers,
National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Transporta­ government personnel and low-income group.
tion (DOTr), Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor and the Late last year, the Department led by Secre-
Philippine National Railways turned over new homes to families tary Eduardo Del Rosario finalized seven Memo-
randa of Agreement (MOA) on housing with local
affected by the government’s commuter rail project in Bulacan.
government officials from all over the country in
a span of three weeks.
Beneficiaries received 15 housing units located within an already “It is a social responsibility of the govern-
established resettle­ment site in Barangay Malis, Guiguinto during a ment to ensure that the ‘poorest of the poor’ will
blessing and turnover ceremony on March 9, 2021. have the opportunity to have a house of their
Each unit has a floor area of 35 square meters (sqm) on 40 sqm lots own that is decent and affordable,” Secretary
The Public Housing Office and Sangguniang Bayan of Guiguinto, Bulacan, together with the
and will cost a family ₱700 monthly amortization for the next 10 Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways Road Clearing Team, Del Rosario said.
years at a fixed rate. Philippine National Railways and DHSUD as Resettlement Implementation Coordinator-Project “We can clearly see the convergence of
Management Office jointly conducted the blessing and turnover ceremony.
Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio Cruz Jr. announced during the event efforts among LGUs, the national government
that the municipality is targeting to build another 10,000 housing The massive Luzon railway project, part of the Duterte admin­ through DHSUD and the private sector so that
units for resettlement. Around 1,700 families have already been relo­ istration’s “Build, build, build” Program, aims to connect Clark, we can build housing projects that will be gladly
cated to the 1.5-hectare site and the LGU expects to transfer another Pampanga in Central Luzon and Metro Manila. Guiguinto is one of accepted by the beneficiaries,” he added. DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario (center) and Regional Office 4A Director Atty. Jann Roby Otero (in blue and
pink-striped polo) lead the the groundbreaking ceremony for a housing project, which Pila Mayor Edgar Ramos (right)
3,000 families affected by the ongoing railway project. the stops of the proposed commuter rail. On December 21, 2020, the housing czar described as a “blessing” for his town.
spearheaded the signing of two MOAs with
the Province of Bataan led by Governor Albert Laguna 2nd District Representative Ruth
Raymond Garcia and Muntinlupa City with Hernandez said the housing project served as
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi. an early Christmas gift for the residents of Bay.
Cooperation, legislative support sought for housing sector The proposed One Bataan Village is intended
for the more than 1,000 displaced families
Meanwhile, Pila Mayor Edgar Ramos described
the project as a “blessing” for his town.
SAN JOSE Del Monte City, Bulacan — If two National Housing Development Finance Act affected by an accidental fire that occurred in Secretary Del Rosario called the pacts
heads are better than one, imagine what dozens (NHDFA) and hope for the bill’s immediate Sitio Depensa in Bataan’s coastal town of Capu- “pivotal” to realizing the Department’s mandate.
can do. approval. nitan on January 29, 2019. Under the agree- To sustain the momentum, three more
DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario sees “We requested Congress, it’s now pending ment, DHSUD will develop the 7.5-hectare housing projects with LGUs were launched in
the wisdom behind the famous saying and has as a bill, that the housing department be given housing site where six 3-story buildings will succession a week later.
been pushing for closer coordination between ₱50-billion budget every year,” the housing czar be constructed. The municipal and provincial On December 15, the housing czar led
the government and the private sector to ulti- said during a recent visit to a housing develop- governments acquired the site located about the inaguration of a housing project for farm-
mately address the country’s housing gap. ment site by a private organization in Pampanga. two kilometers from where the fire struck. ers in Umingan, Pangasinan together with the
During the “Building Better Homes, Living Under the proposed NHDFA, the Depart- On the same day, Secretary Del Rosario led Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Land
Sustainable Lives” forum hosted by the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Mayor Arthur Robes (right) ment and its attached agencies would be appro- the finalization of a MOA with Mayor Fresnedi development began immediately Barangay
San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) on March 10, the
presents a plaque of appreciation to DHSUD Secretary
Eduardo Del Rosario (left) during the “Building Better priated a total of ₱2.667-trillion over a 20-year for a similar undertaking that will mainly cater Carayungan Sur after the signing of a Memoran- Housing for farmers
housing czar, in his message, emphasized the Homes, Living Sustainable Lives” forum. period for the implementation of the National to city government employees. Mayor Fresnedi dum of Understanding between DHSUD-DAR DHSUD in partnership with DAR, National Home
need for support from other government agen- Photo by Christian V. Cabajar Housing Development, Production and Financ- thanked DHSUD, saying that the LGU has formu- and Umingan LGU on December 4. (See photo Mortgage Finance Corporation and private-partner
BellaVita, Ayala Land Corp.’s socialized housing arm,
cies particularly the legislative branch and government to enable us to fulfill our functions ing Program. lated the plans over four years ago. on the right for details) signed an MOU with Umigan, Pangasinan LGU and
private stakeholders for the common goal of and exceed expectations in delivering quality A number of joint hearings has already been Prior to this, DHSUD also launched similar A day later, Secretary Del Rosario led the D’Plowman Cooperative for the roll out of a housing
project for local farmers in Pangasinan.
providing decent, sustainable and affordable products and services to our stakeholders and conducted in both houses of Congress to delib- undertakings in the municipalities of Bay and MOA signing and groundbreaking of the Luna
The project, called BALAI Farmers Housing
housing communities to Filipinos. beneficiaries,” he said. erate on the measure. Pila in Laguna on December 9, 2021. Terraces Permaculture Community in Barangay Program, is a big boost to government’s effort
“DHSUD inevitably requires the support of Secretary Del Rosario also noted the need For 2021, DHSUD received a total of DHSUD Regional Office 4A Director Jann Irisan, Baguio City. in uplifting the lives and economic conditions of
local farmers, according to both DHSUD Secretary
all partners not only the private sectors as I’ve for DHSUD to have sufficient funds to better ₱4.98-billion. If signed into law, the NHDFA Roby Otero joined Secretary Del Rosario in And on December 18, he witnessed the turn-
Eduardo Del Rosario (right) and DAR Secretary John
been advocating, but equally important from carry out its mandate. He expressed optimism will ensure an annual housing fund of over signing the two MOAs and during the ground- over of a completed land development housing Castriciones (left).
the legislative and executive branches of the over the ongoing deliberations regarding the ₱135-billion. — Christian V. Cabajar breaking ceremonies for the housing projects. project in Barangay Lasang, Davao City that can Around 184 farmers will benefit from the program.
Both towns warmly welcomed the projects. accommodate more than 3,000 beneficiaries.
12 WOMEN’S MONTH SPECIAL
MARCH 2021

Juanas of DHSUD:
The leading ladies of the housing sector discuss
the many challenges building an environment
responsive to the needs of women during Juana
sa BALAI: Kababaihan sa tahanan at pamayanan
talk show organized by DHSUD. Joining the panel
are (from right) Undersecretary Marylin M. Pintor,

Making mark in men’s world

Assistant Secretaries Leira Buan and Melissa
Aradanas, National Real Estate Association Chair of
the Board of Advisers Marissa Del Mar, Subdivision
and Housing Developers Association National
Chairperson Rosie Tsai and moderator Finance
Service OIC-Director Jeanette Cruz.
BY MARIAE FRANCESCA R. ACOSTA Photos by Ronely P. Millar, Mary Lyn M. Bosogon
and Christian V. Cabajar
The housing industry is, and Chief Executive Ms. Tsai, meanwhile, advised women to “We, in DHSUD, shall ensure that our
traditionally, a male-dominated Officer (CEO) and pursue further education, whether formal or programs and activities contribute to achief­
S ub d i v i s io n a nd informal learning, “to upgrade and add value ing these objectives. This year’s celebration
world. It is a fact which rings Housing Developers Asso­ to herself, and bring that to the workplace.” is a declaration of DHSUD’s gender and
true even today. Carpenters, ciation National Chairperson For her part, DHSUD’s Finance Service development policy to promote and imple­
Rosie Tsai and National Real Estate OIC-Director Jeanette Cruz, who served ment housing and urban development poli­
plumbers, painters, masons, Association Chair Emerita and Chair of the as its moderator, left a message of hope to cies that will uphold, protect and empower
Board of Advisers Marissa Del Mar. all the women at home:  Juana sa BALAI, women, and mainstream gender equality
electricians and contractors Ms. Del Mar affirmed the gender imbal­ matatag, mahusay, kaagapay sa bawat bahagi and development,” as committed by Secre­
are still mostly men despite ance in the industry and cited another ng buhay. tary Del Rosario who is a staunch supporter
lingering problem which is pay equity. of GAD initiatives.
the growing gender equality in “We women work so hard with longer ‘JUANA LABAN SA PANDEMYA: In addition to the talk show Juana sa BALAI,
KAYA!’

T
several industries hours, we do all the best we can, put our which was the highlight event for the month,
efforts together, but still, we are underpaid he Department joins the Philippine DHSUD also joined in #PurpleMondays,
in the country. compared to men,” she lamented. Commission on Women in celebrating when officers and employees wear purple on
Ms. Tsai echoed the sentiment, saying 2021 National Women Month with all Mondays of March.
Rising to the challenge of spurring through their leadership of DHSUD’s Gender require more women in leadership and “there should be job analysis and salary the theme “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!” To close, DHSUD honored its women staff
change in the industry are five ladies who and Development Committee. decision-making roles balancing gender in grading. The pay should be internally equita­ to support the national advocacy on gender with special conditions or disabilities and
dared to overturn the status quo. They Undersecretary Pintor, who has had a the field. ble, externally competitive, transparent and equality and women empowerment and their stories of trials and successes in the
proved that women can indeed survive and vast experience in advocating women’s “If you do not allow women to be part of job-based regardless of gender.” highlight women’s participation in battling workplace and life in general.
lead in a man’s world. To celebrate the feat, rights and empowerment and gender equal­ the decision-making, then the concerns of Both mentioned other initiatives they the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has been promoting gender
the Department of Human Settlements and ity within and outside the country, pointed half of the population will never be attended implement as leaders in the field to promote DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario equality through the yearly celebration of
Urban Development (DHSUD) invited them out the crucial role of leaders in creating an to,” Undersecretary Pintor stressed. gender equality. It includes factoring in called this year’s theme “timely and rele­ Women’s Day which began on March 28,
for an intimate discussion of their strug­ environment responsive to the needs of all Assistant Secretary Buan, who had a needs of women in the work place such as vant” as it highlights women’s resilience 1988 with Proclamation 224 declaring the
gles, successes and visions for the future of genders.  brush with death, made it a personal mission having lactation rooms on site for breast­ while putting the spotlight on gender issues first week of March as Women’s Week. In
the housing sector in commemoration of She said majority of tools used in to assist and empower women especially feeding mothers and gender-neutral toilets worsened by the pandemic. “In observance of 1990, a similar issuance came out, Republic
women’s month throughout March.  construction are designed for men. These those who are victims of abuse.  especially for parents with small children. this theme, we believe that it is time to delve Act 6949, which declared March 8 of every
Called  Juana sa BALAI: Kababaihan tools have considerable weight that require “My mission is to help empower women They also adopt a balanced work-week, so deep into the gender issues that emerged or year as a special working holiday known as
sa tahanan at pamayanan, the talk show, significant force from a woman to wield.  who are struggling and make them realize women can spend more time with family became more felt during the health crisis, National Women’s Day.
broadcast live via Facebook and Zoom on This causes a great gender imbalance that it isn’t too late. There is hope while we and provide equal opportunities for learning feature women who thrived despite dire Currently, the Philippines is among the
March 8 — International Women’s Day — because, from the beginning, it already are alive,” Assistant Secretary Buan said. and promotion. Lastly, they strictly enforce circumstances, and share support systems world’s leaders (16th out of 153 ) in closing
delved deep into the conditions surrounding prohibits women from completing or even For her part, Assistant Secretary Arad­ the anti-sexual harassment act and foster and government programs that address the gender gap, according to the 2020 World
women in the industry, and most recently, performing the work due to the strength anas highlighted women’s strengths and a culture within the workplace where men women’s issues and concerns,” he said. Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap
the challenges during the pandemic.  required for the job. work ethic.  respect women. The Department lined up a series of activ­ Report.
Leading the panel were DHSUD’s power “Maybe we haven’t really created an “Women play a very significant role in the Everyone expressed optimism that more ities throughout March to mark the signifi­ “Let us keep pushing until we shatter
trio: Undersecretary Marylin Pintor and enabling environment for our women to be workplace. Women, most of the time, deliver. women in the housing sector leadership will cant event.  gender stereotypes, end discrimination and
Assistant Secretaries Melissa Aradanas and in that men-dominated world like in the real If you want the work to be done, give it to create more opportunities for more women. It opened women’s month with an intro­ violence against women and achieve gender
Leira Buan. The three officials have been estate industry,” Undersecretary Pintor said. women,” Assistant Secretary Aradanas said. Amid the pandemic, Ms. Del Mar encour­ duction on the basic concepts of gender equality. Let us not stop fighting until we
spearheading the change from “within” And that fact, she said, prohibits women Meanwhile, paving the way for women aged women who are struggling to augment equality and women empowerment and a live in a world that is just, fair, inclusive and
and outside of the Department by formu­ from entering the world of construction. in the private housing sector are Citihomes lost income by tapping social media and “sell ceremonial signing of DHSUD’s policy state­ conducive to sustainable development,”
lating policies that promote gender equality Hence, facilitating such changes would Builder and Development, Inc. President anything under the sun.” ment on gender and development (GAD). Secretary Del Rosario said.
14 15
MARCH 2021

2021 Key Strategies

Capacity-building of human resources

• Fast-track hiring of new employees • Develop and implement a Strategic Human

and regularization of qualified contract Resource Plan to support the workforce’s
of service personnel professional growth

Crafting of a comprehensive development plan

for the housing and urban development sector
Engagement with clients and stakeholders
• Review existing programs in terms of • Finalize and mainstream the National
their effectiveness, responsiveness and Housing and Urban Development Sector
efficiency. Think of out-of-the-box Plan in our national and local plans LGUs ending local communist armed conflict
solutions and craft new programs and • Finalize and roll out our Strategic Plan • Aid in the formulation, implementation, and partner with other government
strategies to meet the changing needs of to ensure collective and harmonized monitoring and evaluation of Comprehensive agencies in community development
the time performance towards a single direction Land Use Plan, Provincial Physical
Framework Plan and Local Shelter Plan Private Sector and Civil Society
and ensure alignment with regional and Organizations
national plans and priorities • Create opportunities for participation
• Encourage and capacitate to prioritize in implementing urban renewal and
funding and implementation of housing development projects, optimization
and urban development projects of idle government lands and provision
Improvement of our systems and processes • Foster a close partnership to enforce of housing through community-driven
housing and urban development policies shelter programs, joint venture and
• Continue to streamline existing processes to land conversion and reclassification and guidelines public-private partnerships
to promote efficiency and ensure prompt • Expedite the crafting and implementation • Leverage on the National Human
service delivery on housing production of the Department’s Information Systems Homeowners’ Associations (HOA) Settlements Board to pursue inclusive
and issuance of permits, licenses and Strategic Plan (ISSP) to guide our use • Empower HOAs, especially in resettlement and participatory approach in the
accreditation of information and communication sites, to manage communities and become formulation of the Department’s policies
• Observe and implement the Ease of Doing technology in data and records management, the government’s partners in program and programs
Business Act by the Department and Key data processing and decision-making implementation and nation-building • Pilot new housing production modalities
Shelter Agencies (KSA) • Establish a standard monitoring • Support the whole-of-nation approach in and public rental housing
• Operationalize the Housing One-stop and reporting system
Processing Centers and coordinate • Institutionalize the Department’s Strategic
with concerned agencies, such as the Performance Management System
Departments of Agriculture, Agrarian • Explore the ISO-certification of processes
Reform, Environment and Natural • Come up with a responsive and updated Organization of the National Human Settlements and Urban Development
Resources and Land Registration Authority to Business Continuity Plan amid emerging Coordinating Committee (NHSUDCC) and Regional Human Settlements
facilitate the resolution of issues related challenges and Urban Development Coordinating Committee (RHSUDCC)

• Facilitate close coordination between the collaboration for the development of

Department and the KSAs programs, activities and projects that
• Harmonize housing and urban development are responsive to local housing and
Data-driven policies, program and processes policies, programs, projects and activities urban development issues and
• Create a venue for discussion and concerns

• Adopt data-backed decision-making • Develop a system capable of storing vital

• Identify relevant housing and urban and updated data of all housing projects
development data and information nationwide, housing needs of local
• Collect and establish needed housing and government units (LGU), available lots for
urban development data through research, housing and land zoning classification at Delivery of priority housing projects
studies and data-sharing with other the local level and existing beneficiaries
stakeholders of the government’s housing programs.
• Fulfill targets in the delivery of housing and the rehabilitation of Marawi City by
• Utilize new and available technologies to • Integrate the information systems of KSAs
and resettlement of families affected by December.
gather and manage timely, relevant and and, to the extent possible, LGUs; or at least
calamities such as Yolanda, Taal, Oplan • Identify and address issues and concerns
reliable data at the national and local level have access to their database
Likas or Supreme Court Mandamus that can potentially delay projects
16 HIGHLIGHT MARCH 2021

DHSUD@2:
Building homes, communities
and partnership amid pandemic
BY CHRISTIAN V. CABAJAR

Commitment, resiliency
and hard work.
These are the three words that best describe the
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Develop­
ment (DHSUD) amid the challenges posed by the raging
COVID‑19 pandemic and in the aftermath of calamities
and disasters that struck the country last year, wreaking
havoc on the economy. The same words also propelled
the Department to achieve its mission and mandate on
its second year, all in the name of highest quality public
service. 
Since its creation on February 14, 2019 — a Valentine’s
Day — DHSUD, as President Rodrigo Duterte’s “gift of
love”, has ensured the provision of sustainable, resilient
and affordable housing to Filipinos, especially the under­
privileged, in well-planned communities.
The achievements and accomplishments were notched
through the steady hand and effective leadership of Secre­
tary Eduardo Del Rosario despite DHSUD’s undergoing
birth pains like every new agency in a bureaucracy. The
feat was achieved with the support and cooperation of Key
Shelter Agencies (KSAs) and partner-developers. 
For its second anniversary, DHSUD celebrated its gains
and triumphs among the trials of the past year — from
laying the foundations that would shape the country’s
housing sector to crafting new policies meant to ensure
the industry’s future.
Because DHSUD, indeed, has come a long way. 

Scenes from DHSUD’s second anniversary celebration led by Secretary Eduardo

Del Rosario (right) together with the Department’s officials, staff and Key Shelter
Agencies.
Photos by Mary Lyn M. Bosogon
18 HIGHLIGHT MARCH 2021

DHSUD@2:
DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario inspects
model houses from the “open house” exhibit where
Key Shelter Agencies and partner developers from
the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association
showcase their programs and products.

The second issue of The Shelter stands at the center

of the DHSUD exhibit area surrounded by photos of
the Department’s accomplishments for the past year.

Building homes, communities

and partnership amid pandemic
‘OPEN HOUSE’ A FAMILY AFFAIR

W F
The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund),
ith the theme “Tahanang ligtas, abot-kaya at Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and National rom the lobby, the celebration continued to the
matatag, pamayanang matiwasay at panatag”, Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), mean­ Central Office’s auditorium with a thanksgiving
DHSUD kicked off its 3-day anniversary cele­ while, offered housing finance services and information mass and opening program to mark the event.
bration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an exhibit on their programs in their respective kiosks. In her welcome remarks, Undersecretary Pintor
spearheaded by Secretary Del Rosario at the Central Model houses populate the booths of the National described this year’s celebration as a “simple, yet
Office’s lobby. Housing Authority (NHA) and member-developers from meaningful family affair,” wherein members trumpet
Going for an “open house” feel, visitors to the SHDA, showcasing a lineup of their current their respective successes and hammer out ways on how
the exhibit were treated to cushioned seats property listings.  to sustain effective delivery of quality public service. mation Agency) where he introduced the Department’s
and coffee while browsing through infor­ Present during the exhibit’s formal Meanwhile, Secretary Del Rosario stressed in his anni­ accomplishments, projects and programs.
mation and communication materials opening were Undersecretaries Marylin versary message that DHSUD’s perseverance and commit­ On February 18, DHSUD-7 also held a signing of a
from DHSUD, KSAs and partici­pating Pintor, Meynardo Sabili and Zyril Carlos, as ment helped the Department stay afloat amid various Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and turnover of its
member-developers from the Subdivi­ well as Assistant Secretaries Melissa Arad­ challenges. He noted that “failures are as important as BALAI Project in Naga City to its NHA regional counter­
sion and Housing Developers Association anas, Leira Buan and Avelino Tolentino III successes,” and that the Department had learned valuable parts. (See story on page 21)
(SHDA). Social distancing protocols were, along with other key officials.  experiences from them. In Davao City, DHSUD-11 held a blessing of its new
however, strictly observed. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer The housing czar likewise expressed gratitude to office on February 16 and, two days later, signed a MOA
An audio-visual presentation featuring (CEO) Acmad Rizaldy Moti and representatives DHSUD’s staff, whose teamwork and dedication ensured on Land Use Development Infrastructure Plan with the
the Department and KSAs’ past and present from other KSAs and partner-developers were also the continuous delivery of unwavering public service University of Southeastern Philippines.
programs, policies and achievements, including proac­ in attendance to witness the activity. despite the pandemic. He rallied the Department’s On February 17, DHSUD-NCR held a  Lingkod  HOA
tive measures that helped ease public burden at the height The exhibit provided a brief glimpse into the housing attached corporations, partner-developers and housing (homeowners’ association) Program, while DHSUD-4A
of the pandemic played on loop at the center of DHSUD’s sector’s potential to become one formidable body through stakeholders to come together and work towards the spearheaded its first Regional Human Settlements and
exhibit space, which has been decorated to resemble a cooperation among the housing agencies of the govern­ shared vision of providing the country with sustainable Urban Development Coordinating Committee (RHSUDCC)
living room.   ment and the private sector. and resilient homes and communities. meeting to strengthen the coordination among the KSAs
“I firmly believe that we can do greater things if we work in the CALABARZON.
DHSUD Secretary
Eduardo Del Rosario
together towards a common goal. If we put our hearts and The Department opened its SOCCSKSARGEN
(2nd from left), along minds into anything that we want to do, the results will RO (DHSUD-12) on February 19. Assistant Secretary
with (from right) surely be at par with expectations of the Filipino people,” Aradanas, Human Settlements Adjudication Commis­
Undersecretaries
Marylin Pintor and he said. sion Executive Commissioner Melzar Galicia, Koronadal
Zyril Carlos, Assistant As a nod to Valentine’s Day, roses and chocolates were City Mayor Eliordo Ogena and DHSUD-12 RD Jennifer
Secretary Leira Buan
and other key officials,
distributed to those present at the auditorium while being Bretaña graced the opening ceremony and the ribbon-cut­
leads the ribbon-cutting serenaded with popular love songs as a gesture of gratitude ting rites. 
ceremony for an exhibit
at the Central Office
and love. In addition, the SHFC led by its President Atty. Arnolfo
lobby marking the kick Ricardo Cabling entered into an agreement with the local
NATIONWIDE CELEBRATION

T
off of DHSUD’s second government of Minalin in Pampanga,  represented by
anniversary.
Photos by Mary Lyn M.
hroughout the country, the Regional Offices (RO) of Mayor Edgar Flores, on February 22.
Bosogon the Department held various activities to commem­ Witnessed by Assistant Secretary Buan via Zoom, the
orate the milestone.  Memorandum of Understanding would pave the way for
Central Visayas’ OIC-Regional Director (RD) Francis safe, affordable, and inclusive housing in Minalin under
Ordeniza attended the Kapihan sa PIA (Philippine Infor­ the SHFC’s Community Mortgage Program (CMP).
20 HIGHLIGHT MARCH 2021

DHSUD@2:
The ELUPDB featured a presentation on how it formu­
lates national urban development policies, strategies
and standards, most specifically on urban management,
growth, redevelopment and renewal. 
The HOACDB, on the other hand, discussed the “Salient
Features of the Magna Carta for Homeowners’ Associa­
tion and Its Implementing Rules and Regulations” while
answering some frequently asked questions. It attracted
over 500 participants nationwide. 

Building homes, communities Aside from DHSUD, the SHFC and NHMFC also held
their respective webinars. 

and partnership amid pandemic

Cezar Macaspac, who is SHFC’s OIC Manager for Insur­ Homeowners Association (HOA) and Community Development Bureau OIC-
ance and Community Enhancement, gave an overview of Director Atty. Ma. Lorina Rigor leads the discussion in the last episode of DHSUD’s
webinar series
the financial institution’s programs and processes, partic­
ularly its flagship program, the CMP. to cement stronger relations with all housing stakeholders
Meanwhile, Angelo Tan, the Country Lead from and partner-developers.
Green Building discussed how developers can qualify “Despite the pandemic, we never stopped exploring
WI-FI FOR GOV’T HOUSING PROJECTS

T
for NHMFC’s green housing finance program, or BALAI ways to fully open our doors to our stakeholders and the
he pandemic shed light to the importance of a fast, BERDE through EDGE Certification. He also demonstrated public to offer our services and other pertinent information
secure and reliable internet connection. People who the use of an app to comply with the standard. relevant to human settlements and urban development,”
remained at home for the duration of the quaran­ In his message that opened the webinar series, Secre­ Secretary Del Rosario said.
tine relied on the internet for basic supplies, work, study, tary Del Rosario said the activity was in line with DHSUD’s “And we shall continue to do so, for this coming year and
leisure and connecting with loved ones. effort in further raising public awareness on the Depart­ the years to follow,” he added. – with Mariae Francesca R.
To respond to the growing demand for better inter­ ment’s functions and goals. The online forums also aimed Acosta
net services, DHSUD, on day-2 of the its 2nd-year
anniversary celebration, inked a deal with
Alpha-3 Technologies aimed at providing REGION 11
fast and secure community Wi-Fi service in
government resettlement sites. DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario (center) spearheads the
#DHSUDat2
Secretary Del Rosario spearheaded the MOA‑signing event with Alpha-3 Technologies aimed at providing
signing of a MOA with Alpha-3 Technologies Wi-Fi service to government housing projects. Also at the signing were Hailed as DHSUD’s biggest celebration
Alpha-3 Technologies CEO Kristin Bangot (right), SHFC President Arnolfo
President and CEO Kristin Bangot at the DHSUD Ricardo Cabling (left), NHA Assistant General Manager Vic Balba. of the year, its 16 Regional Offices
auditorium. SHFC President Cabling and NHA Assis­ Photos by Mary Lyn M. Bosogon (RO) prepared their own activities and
tant General Manager Vic Balba and officials from Alpha-3 programs to mark the special event.
ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES Together with KSAs, government

O
Technologies’ partner-service providers witnessed the
momentous event. The MOA provides for the activation n day-3, DHSUD officially opened its series of agencies and stakeholders, they
of the BALAI-Net project, which will supply residents of webinars to further raise public awareness on the shared photos, stories and love all over
resettlement sites nominated and selected by DHSUD, Department’s existing policies and regulations. social media.
NHA and SHFC with internet access. Starting things off was an online seminar led by Photos courtesy of their respective regions and KSA
With a bandwidth of up to 100 Mbps (Megabits per Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation Bureau
second), a guaranteed 99.99 percent uptime and redundant (HREDRB) OIC-Director Atty. Angelito Aguila, who REGION 12 REGION 7 SHFC
network per household, the pact emphasizes the govern­ discussed the latest updates on policies regarding housing
ment’s commitment in providing Filipino families access and real estate development.
to modern and more affordable housing facilities in well- He likewise highlighted the HREDRB’s role in boosting
planned communities. the Department’s regulatory processes and answered
Secretary Del Rosario said such a program will enhance queries focusing on relevant updates and key measures
the connectivity among Filipino communities, particu­ being enforced by the Department and partner-developers
larly amid COVID-19. in streamlining housing-­related processes to help them
Alpha-3 Technologies had kicked off a similar program cope with the “new normal.”
benefiting students in selected areas in Marawi City, which The Environmental Land Use and Urban Planning and REGION 5

is undergoing rehabilitation following the 2017 siege. Development Bureau (ELUPDB) and the Homeowners
Meanwhile, day-2 also witnessed the induction of the Association and Community Development Bureau
2021 Board and Officers of the Organization of Social­ (HOACDB) also held similar online forums in February
ized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines to highlight their respective functions and provide more
administered by Secretary Del Rosario. (See story on page 6) information to the public on their policies and regulations.

REGION 8
22 FROM THE REGIONS MARCH 2021

First-ever regional building

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN V. CABAJAR

SAN FERNANDO City,

Pampanga – Home is where
the heart is, and the same The facade of the
3-story DHSUD-HSAC-3
goes for the new Department Building, located at the
Diosdado Macapagal
of Human Settlements and Government Center
in Barangay Maimpis,
Urban Development Regional San Fernando City,
Pampanga.
Office 3 (DHSUD-3).
OIC-Regional Director Atty. Lyndon ing in government and private-owned years to come,” he added.
The DHSUD has unveiled a new Juntilla. properties. Also present during the inaugura­
regional building in Central Luzon ­— the In his message during the event, HSAC Executive Commissioner tion were DHSUD Assistant Secretaries
first for the Department — extending its Secretary Del Rosario reiterated one Melzar Galicia, who was also present at Melissa Aradanas and Leira Buan.
reach to deliver “superior” public service of DHSUD’s guiding principles which the event, lauded the building’s struc­ Following its full operationaliza­
meant to empower the housing and urban considers shelter as a right of every Fili­ tural design saying that having a regional tion in January last year, DHSUD, under
development sector. pino. He stressed that DHSUD is Pres­ hub is beneficial to the Department, espe­ Secretary Del Rosario, opened seven more
Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario led ident Rodrigo Duterte’s “gift of love” to cially in reaching out to the people, as well Regional Offices (RO) in addition to the
the inauguration of DHSUD and Human Filipinos who dream of owning a house. as housing stakeholders. existing nine for a total of 16.
Settlements Adjudication Commission “We now have the right structure to “Having good facilities and infra­ The DHSUD-HSAC-3 office building,
DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario (2nd from left) leads the inauguration of the first DHSUD and Human Settlements
(HSAC) Building in San Fernando City, Adjudication Commission (HSAC) Regional Office building in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga earlier this year. ensure that these 81 percent (of Filipinos) structure is important for producing however, is the first and only stand-alone
Pampanga on January 15, 2021. DHSUD Assistant Secretaries Melissa Aradanas (right) and Leira Buan (left, as well as HSAC Executive Commissioner will have a better opportunity to have commendable work and outcomes, espe­ building among the ROs of the two hous­
Melzar Galicia (3rd from left), also graced the event.
The new regional hub will complement a house of their own that is decent yet cially for us, public servants, of compe­ ing agencies.
DHSUD’s mandate of providing sustain­ Likewise, it forms part of the Depart­ The 3-story structure located within affordable,” Secretary Del Rosario said. tence, integrity and responsibility,” A second regional building will soon
able, resilient and affordable housing ment’s effort in establishing strong foun­ the Diosdado Macapagal Govern­ He rallied Department officials and Executive Commissioner Galicia stressed. rise in Leyte following the signing of a
communities to Filipinos, especially from dation in the regional level, as well as in ment Center in Barangay Maimpis is employees to serve with passion, espe­ “I am confident that this will advance Memorandum of Agreement with the
low-income families. shaping the future of the housing sector. now the new home of DHSUD-3 led by cially in relocating informal settlers resid­ the plans of DHSUD and HSAC for the province in March.

REGION 1 REGION 2 REGION 7 REGION 8 REGION 10 REGION 11 REGION 12

More regional A
side from Region 3, several DHSUD DHSUD-1’s new office is now located at the the ADG IT Center, Lopez Jaena St. in Mandaue For easier access, DHSUD-10 moved to a located at JYSL Building, Arellano corner
Regional Offices (RO) have opened or third floor of the Florentino Building, General City from its old office in downtown Cebu City. known mixed-use center in Lapasan, Cagayan Balmores Sts., Koronadal City. It shares the
transferred to better locations to accom- Luna St., Barangay IV in San Fernando City, La DHSUD-8 is eyeing to expand and will soon de Oro City. Its new office can now be found at same address with two other regional and

offices open modate the increase in workforce and level up

the delivery of services to clients.
DHSUD-1 and 2 have transferred to the
Union.
Meanwhile, DHSUD-2 moved to Burgos
corner Lecaros Sts., Centro 01 in Tuguegarao
have its own office building within the govern-
ment center in Leyte.
In the meantime, it transferred to the IP
the Second Floor of Limketkai Gateway Tower 2,
Limketkai Center.
DHSUD-11 moved a few blocks to a new
local Key Shelter Agency offices, the National
Housing Authority-12 and Home Development
Mutual Fund’s Koronadal Branch.
capitals in Regions 1 and 2, respectively, after City, Cagayan upon the assumption of Regional Building, Maharlika Highway, Caibaan, in Taclo- building, which is also along Quimpo Blvd. in (For a complete list of DHSUD’s RO locations,
Photos courtesy of their respective regions with previously sharing an office with DHSUD-CAR in Director Evelyn Cayat. ban City. Ecoland, Matina, Davao City. please see the directory on page 29) – Mariae
Pantaleon A. Morallos Jr. and Mario J. Mallari Baguio City. In Central Visayas, DHSUD-7 transferred to In Mindanao, three ROs have new addresses. Finally, DHSUD-12’s new office is now Francesca R. Acosta
24 FROM THE REGIONS MARCH 2021 MARCH 2021 FROM THE REGIONS 25

BALAI Project for landslide Shelter task force checks aid for Taal evacuees

victims in Cebu
BY NINI GO SANCHEZ

CALAMBA CITY – Key officials of the The Department of Social Welfare and “We are elated to know that the task force
Department of Human Settlements and Development, meanwhile, said it had given is on the right track in providing the assis­
Urban Development Regional Office 4A out ₱200-million worth of financial assis­ tance needed by the eruption victims. With
BY ED ALAIN G. AGUELO (DHSUD-4A) with the Taal Shelter Task tance, as well as basic and immediate needs the harmonized efforts of various agencies
Force evaluated the progress of activities of the families. Resettlement issues such as working for the area’s recovery, I am confi­
NAGA City, Cebu – The Department of DHSUD-7 OIC-Regional Director being undertaken to provide shelter and livelihood and availability of land resources dent that eruption woes will be holistically
Human Settlements and Urban Devel­ (RD) Francis Ordeniza oversees the address post-disaster needs of the Taal were also tackled. addressed the soonest,” Secretary Eduardo
opment Regional Office 7 (DHSUD-7) project and regularly meets with Naga Volcano eruption victims. For its part, the Philippine Institute of Del Rosario said.
has completed the first phase of a proj­ City LGU led by Mayor Kristine Vanessa In February, during the task force’s fifth Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcS) In the 2020 Senate budget hearing, NHA
ect that would house victims who have Chiong to ensure incessant progress. meeting in Calamba City led by DHSUD-4A discussed via Zoom the recent activity of the General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr.
lost their homes to a massive landslide “My commitment is to closely Regional Director (RD) Jann Roby Otero Taal Volcano with a recorded average of 69 disclosed that the NHA’s budget proposal for
in Cebu back in 2018. monitor this initiative for the affected and Assistant Director (ARD) Felix Brazil, tremors in less than 24 hours, recommend­ 2021 did not include funds for the Taal relo­
Called the BALAI Naga Permanent people in the City of Naga,” OIC-RD member agencies presented updates on ing for a total evacuation of residents within cation. However, he said the agency opened
Housing Project, the relocation site Ordeniza said. provision of housing and financial assis­ the danger zone. its inventory to accommodate Taal evacuees,
with a total land area of 21,566 square Families await 26-sqm houses tance, and recommended measures to Representatives from various local noting around 10,000 housing units in the
meters (sqm) and located in Baran­ built using a conventional method of hasten government interventions for the government units in Batangas, including provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna
gays Inoburan and Tina-an, in Naga construction. recovery of the areas. municipalities severely affected by the volca­ can be utilized as relocation sites.
City, Cebu is set to accommodate 192 Its structural design features The National Housing Authority (NHA) nic eruption early in 2020, also attended the Taal Volcano erupted on January 12, 2020
housing units for families displaced concrete columns, beams, slabs, steel reported around 1,000 houses ready for meeting. spewing ash across CALABARZON, Metro
from Sitio Sandulan. trusses and pre-painted sheets as occupancy in addition to the 600 housing DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario Manila reaching as far as Central Luzon and
On February 18, DHSUD-7 turned roofing. units in Brgy. Talaibon, Ibaan, Batangas and had vowed to exhaust all means in provid­ Ilocos Region. Hundreds of thousands had
over a portion of the site, or Phase 1 of As for the site, it has been fitted with 100 housing units by Habitat for Human­ ing assistance, especially resettlement to flee their homes, some permanently. To
2, to the National Housing Authority paved roads, double-barrel outfall, ity, dedicated to providing shelter for 2,500 programs, to those affected by the volcanic date, some 600 evacuees have already been
(NHA). ramps, stairs and catch basins. families affected by the calamity. eruption despite budgetary constraints. relocated to Ibaan, Batangas.
It has undergone development and “Definitely, the project has been
is ready for house construction. progressing smoothly so far. Our goal
The entire project is set for comple­ is to complete the development of the
tion for delivery to their intended bene­ project and ensure that beneficiaries DHSUD affirms 1st homeowners’ confed
ficiaries by September 2021. receive keys to their future homes,” said BIÑAN CITY – Officers of the Biñan (back row, from 3rd from right) President
The Naga project was formed Ms. Elenita Paulina Cañete, City Confederation of Homeowners Romeo Bautista, Vice President Julie
through a BALAI initiative after Presi­ OIC of the Public Housing Associations took oath before DHSUD Cauile, Secretary Atty. Luis Manabat (not
DHSUD-7 OIC-Regional Director Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario (on the in photo), Treasurer Emelita Gamilla,
dent Rodrigo Duterte gave a directive to and Settlements Division Francis Ordeniza (left) leads the screen), who joined via Zoom, as the and Auditor Elizabeth Aquino (Auditor).
provide new houses to the victims. of DHSUD-7. ceremonial turnover of the Naga first confederation of homeowners’ Also present during the event were
City BALAI Project to the NHA-7 federations in Laguna province. (from right) Biñan City Vice Mayor
The Department was tasked to On September 20, 2018, represented by its OIC Hermes DHSUD-4A RD Otero (back row, 2nd Angelo Alonte and Mayor Atty. Walfredo
develop the land, taking over from a hillside collapsed onto Jude Juntilo (right). from left), with ARD Brazil (back row, Dimaguila Jr.
left) spearheaded the oath taking of the Secretary Del Rosario previously
the former Housing and Land Use Sitio Sandulan in Brgy. confederation’s officials at the Biñan City said that HOAs play a vital role not only
The facade of a newly-built home
Regulatory Board after its reconstitu­ Tinaan, Naga City, Cebu for landslide victims in Naga People’s Center Auditorium in February. in community development, but also in
tion, while NHA shall administer the burying homes and killing City, Cebu. The confederation is represented by ­ Nini Go Sanchez
nation-building. —

housing construction. at least 78 people. Photos courtesy of DHSUD-7

DHSUD-5 partners with REBAP-LA vs real estate malpractice “As intermediators in real estate transactions, REBAP is in a prime posi-
tion as vanguards of the general public, especially home buyers, legiti-
The activity served as a call and caveat for “colorum” agents to be legit-
imate and cease their illegal activities because they would be penalized
BY JAN ESTEFAN REVOLTAR
mate developers, brokers and salesperson,” Secretary Del Rosario said in a by the law sooner or later. Home buyers are likewise advised to be mindful
LEGAZPI, Albay – The Department has been proactive in protecting and the “Real Estate Service Profession — Going Lit and Legit” on February 1, recorded video message that was played during the event. when buying property and detect unscrupulous scammers in the industry
campaigning for the rights of real estate buyers. 2021 in cooperation with DHSUD Regional Office 5 (DHSUD-5), National During the webinar, DHSUD-5 RD Atty. Richard Manila and OIC of the by arming themselves with knowledge on what to do before entering into any
As part of the continuing effort in intensifying the campaign against Bureau of Investigation, Camella Legazpi and Premiere Fiesta Land Inc. Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation Division-5 Arch. Amador real estate transaction.
illegal activities on housing and human settlement projects, the Real Estate DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario thanked the REBAP-LA for its Colina discussed the basic rules on the registration of brokers and salesper- DHSUD-5 sees the activity as a tremendous step in achieving the
Brokers’ Association of the Philippines (REBAP) Legazpi City-Albay Chapter, active participation in the Department’s drive against real estate scammers son, salient provisions of the Subdivision and Condominium buyer’s Protec- goal of protecting home buyers and legitimate workers in the real estate
Inc. or REBAP-LA held a blended panel discussion and open forum called particularly in the Bicol Region. tive Decree and other programs and updates. industry.
26 VOX POP MARCH 2021 MARCH 2021 VOX POP 27

What can you suggest to improve the delivery

of public housing services in the Philippines?
From the experts From the public
Dr. Jose M. Regunay sions should be self-contained with the basic the unit. [There,] if you are negligent and disobey Awing Olivarez Casey Casinillo malaman kung anu-anong aspeto ang naging
Director of Training and Extension, necessities found within the community. rules, you will be expelled. Public land can be utilized or converted into Develop an effective and efficient online balakid sa matagumpay na pagpapatupad nito.
School of Urban and Regional Planning, residential lots, so the people could avail of a lot housing application. With an option to input Dapat busisiin ang mga nakaraang proyekto,
University of the Philippines (UP-SURP) Marcelino C. Mendoza Marissa Del Mar at a lower cost and let people build their own requirements with an automatic assessment, mag-conduct ng mas makubuluhang interview
[My] first [suggestion] would be access to afford- Board Chairman Chair Emerita and Chair Board of Advisers, house. The government shall see to it that the that will present the type of housing, terms of sa iba’t-ibang stakeholders nito. Dapat ang mga
able financing. Next, would be provision of Organization of Socialized and Economic NREA minimum basic needs shall be there, like roads, payment and time transfer. polisiyang babalangkasin ay base sa panana-
adequate housing sites, facilities and services. Housing Developers of the Philippines I would like to suggest that the LGUs (local water and electricity. Others, like drainage liksik (research-based) at mga bagong batas at
Then the third one, access to sources of employ- The main challenge is land, or access to land. If government units) our mayors, our governors system, water treatment facility, etc., the LGU Jamicha Villanueva Aparicio ordinansa; at hindi batay sa mga naoobserba-
ment, livelihood and other urban services. we can have our rules and regulations to access should be one and have cooperation and partic- can take care of those. [Implement] online application, online approval han lamang na “problema” sa mga nakaraang
land, we will be solving or mitigating the housing ipation that will ensure that the housing compo- [and] uniform system improvement. Dapat sana taon. Dapat mas matumbok ang ugat ng prob-
Dr. Hussein S. Lidasan backlog problem. So that is the first and the nent is always delivered to the constituents, to Yeeun Hoon Jii online na lahat. lema sa pamamagitan ng pananaliksik.
Dean, UP-SURP most important. the lowest of the poor. Make [housing] affordable and sana ‘yung mga Mabuhay ang DHSUD!
Foremost, of course, would be [to address] The next one is low-cost sources of funds or LGUs should have a budget for this, wherein gusto magkaroon ng bahay [ay] madali lang Mary Jean Ginoo
affordability. When you say affordability, it is housing finance. Those are the two most import- they could provide a reasonable lot and then, ‘yung process at kung employed naman dapat There should be a strict monitoring on the bene- Gerryme Penamante
to provide soft loans (Ed’s note: typically, soft ant things, because other factors like housing perhaps, apply with the SHFC (Social Housing hindi na ganun kahirap mag-apply sa housing ficiary of a government housing. Some of them Open a table for discussion together with the
loans have low interest rates). Second [would be production is something that can be addressed Finance Corporation) for the housing. loan. sell or rent out their units. Others have houses grassroots of highly affected communities.
to improve] accessibility to work, to basic urban easily. in [another] subdivision or does not really
amenities, for example, stores, hospitals and, Rosie Tsai Lindyy Espiritu belong to the poor category. Most CMP (SHFC’s Robert F Catolico II
more importantly, schools for children. [As for] Benigno T. Cabrieto Jr. National Chairperson, Subdivision Mas affordable po. Community Mortgage Program) projects have If a developer has no license to sell or the proj-
others, you can expound. And if you expound, of Board Chairman and Housing Developers Association houses built by the beneficiary that are bigger ect is not registered, a developer should not be
course, provision of public transport [has to be National Real Estate Association (NREA) Public housing is a role of the government. Herminio Asuncion than private developer-built socialized housing. allowed to sell a housing unit.
included.] First, financing has to be secured, then the land. However, the government can always partner Sana katulad din noon. Government project
Also, the “after sales service” for public with the private sector. It can develop programs ang Projects 3,4,7,8 at Teachers’ Village. Make Melville D. Avanceña-Aradanas CB Bam
Carmelita Rosario Eva U. Liwag housing also needs to be strengthened. For for developers to partner with them. it very affordable and [improve] ease in appli- Review and reconsolidate all housing projects [Remove] LGU/ government red tape, corruption
College Secretary, UP-SURP example, homeowners’ associations (HOA) But the private sector will need help from the cation. of the government. This is to make sure that and extortion from developers. [There should
First, before you can deliver [the services,] the needed to be organized. government, especially in easing up the permit- those living in the said housing projects are be] seamless interpretation of laws between
recipients must have some purchasing power. Buyers have to be made to understand that ting and licensing processes. The private sector Raymund Eguillos really qualified. As such, intensify the screening shelter government agencies.
So, our beneficiaries come first. Housing units the unit they acquired have accompanying needs government support, whether legis­lative, Kapag may relocation sa mga informal settlers, process of beneficiaries to ensure that future
must be affordable and resilient to any hazards common facilities and that they need to administrative or regulatory measures that siguraduhin na kumpleto na sa lahat ang lilipa- projects will cater to those who are in need. Rodge Camacho
that we are experiencing. contribute for its maintenance. They must also promote and foster private enterprise. tang lugar katulad ng kuryente, tubig, transpor- Dapat bawat na itayo
Once you have that, you can easily provide abide by the rules of their community. Public housing is no longer the private tasyon at iba pa. Siguraduhin din na accessible Miguel C Cano ay may planting strip na
housing anywhere. And [these] subdivisions I like what Valenzuela City did for their sector’s responsibility, but we can help, perhaps ang lugar sa mga commercial areas katulad ng Ang mungkahi ko po ay gumawa ng kumprehen- i-allot [ang mga] developers
should be accessible through good road infra- Disiplina Village. Because that is the crux to the in the form of other compliances, for example, palengke at mga factories para hindi na lumayo sibong pananaliksik (research) sa pabahay sa para maging maaliwalas
structure and reliable bus schedules. Subdivi- problem: it is people’s discipline after they get land development. pa sa paghahanap ng trabaho. Pilipinas na pamumunuan ng DHSUD. Dapat ang subdivision.

DHSUD says introduction of microfinance. A joint study could not avail or access traditional modes of In addition, we continue to streamline Likewise, the Department is expediting doing business for housing developers. The

M
with the Asian Development Bank is currently financing, for example in this case, housing existing processes to promote efficiency and the activation of the Housing One-stop faster turn-around time of these housing
ajority of respondents noted that being conducted to assess its feasibility and loans offered by banks or even Home Devel- ensure prompt service delivery, whether on Processing Centers to hasten the processing projects together with reduced operating
affordability remains a primary hopefully, adoption throughout the country. opment Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund. housing production or issuance of permits, of permits and licenses at the regional level. costs will make housing more affordable.
concern and a major stumbling block Microfinance is a type of financial service Aside from this, the Department is look- licenses and accreditation. All these efforts at the back-end, Hand in hand with Pag-IBIG Fund’s low
to homeownership. that targets individuals who are unem- ing into adopting a Balai Rental Program as We are ensuring that the Ease of Doing coupled with strong partnership with our interest rates, we are making housing, espe-
DHSUD hopes to address this through the ployed, or have very little income and thus an alternative to home ownership. Business Act is observed and implemented. stakeholders, will bring down the cost of cially public housing, accessible to all levels.
28
MARCH 2021 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
FEATURE 29

REGIONAL OFFICES DIRECTORY

MEDIA CORNER
DHSUD-2
Once again, we’ve captured some of the best moments of the Department DHSUD-1
Burgos cor. Lecaros Sts., Centro 01,
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
seen in print and online, courtesy of our media partners. 3/F Florentino Bldg., Gen. Luna St.,
0917-899-6318

Brgy. IV, San Fernando City,

La Union
(072) 619-4114 DHSUD-CAR
Botanical Garden, Leonard Wood
Road, Baguio City
DHSUD CENTRAL, NCR & 4B
DHSUD Bldg., Kalayaan Ave., cor. Mayaman St., DHSUD-4A
Diliman, Quezon City Dencris Bldg., Barangay Halang, Calamba City, Laguna
DHSUD-NCR: 0977-371-0321 (HOA) | (049) 502-9752 (Public Housing & Real Estate) |
0916-378-0531 (Records) | 0921-757-3383 (049) 502-9747 (HOA) | (049) 502-9751 (Admin &
(Technical) | 0921-757-3394 (Monitoring) Finance) | 0955-174-4298 (ELUPD)
DHSUD-4B: 0961-498-0236 | 0927-437-6114
DHSUD-5
DHSUD-3 3/F Tyler Bldg., Rizal St.,
Legazpi City, Albay
Diosdado Macapagal Gov’t. Center, 0966-396-2728 | 0929-687-1824
Brgy. Maimpis, San Fernando City,
Pampanga
(045) 966-6796 | 0931-205-6176 | DHSUD-8
0916-793-1180 IP Bldg., Maharlika Highway,
Caibaan, Tacloban City
(053) 888- 9078 | 0917-512-5866
DHSUD-6
2/F INJAP Bldg., B. Aquino Ave., DHSUD-13
Mandurriao, Iloilo City City Hall Basement, Butuan City,
(033) 321-6177 | (033) 323-0163 Agusan Del Norte
0920-217-5512

DHSUD-7 DHSUD-10
ADG IT Center, Lopez Jaena St.,
Mandaue City, Cebu 3/F Dupoint Bldg., Velez-Akut Sts.,
(032) 254-4564 | (032) 402-0813 Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
(088) 856-5088

DHSUD-9 DHSUD-12 DHSUD-11

City Government Complex, RAM’s Bldg., Quimpo Blvd.,
Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City JYSL Bldg., Arellano cor. Balmores
Sts., Koronadal City, South Cotabato Ecoland, Matina, Davao City
(062) 990-1142 (082) 297-2399 | (082) 224-1103
0922-888-4177

DHSUD Profile
T
he Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development reference), ensuring its ample representation nationwide to deliver its core
(DHSUD) or Kagawaran ng Pananahanang Pantao at Pagpapaunlad ng functions and services to every Filipino.
Kalunsuran is the central government authority on the management of DHSUD also exercises oversight functions over its attached agencies called
housing, human settlements and urban development. Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs), namely, the National Housing Authority, Home
Created through Republic Act 11201 on February 14, 2019, DHSUD Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Housing Finance Corpo-
performs the consolidated functions of the defunct Housing and Urban ration and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation in terms of policy and
Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Housing and Land Use program coordination, monitoring and evaluation. The Human Settlements
Regulatory Board (HLURB), except adjudication. Adjudication Commission assumes the adjudication functions of HLURB.
Photos by Mary Lyn M. Bosogon
As the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program Secretary Eduardo D. Del Rosario currently leads and is the first-ever
coordination and performance monitoring entity for all housing, human head of DHSUD. Aiding him in steering the Department are Undersecretaries

List of Issuances Send us your feedback

settlement and urban development, DHSUD primarily focuses on providing
access to decent, affordable, resilient and sustainable housing communities
Marylin Pintor, Meynardo Sabili and Zyril Carlos, and Assistant Secretaries
Melissa Aradanas, Leira Buan and Avelino Tolentino III.
To access details of the orders and guidelines, please visit our website dhsud.gov.ph to all Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged and those in the low-income Guided by professionalism, integrity, accountability, competence and
We would love to hear from you. bracket. It is responsible for the development and adoption of a national commitment, DHSUD also focuses on its mission of promulgating and enforc-
Department Order Department Order Department Order What do you think about this issue?
No. 2021-001 No. 2021-002 No. 2021-003 What topics do you want to see? strategy to ensure the alignment of the policies, programs and projects of ing enabling policies, plans and regulations on land use, housing and urban
Organization of the National Human Suspension of Imposition of Penalty for
Send us your comments and all its attached agencies under the flagship BALAI Program which stands for development and homeowners associations towards sustainable and resil-
Deferment of Submission of Proof of
suggestions. Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive Filipino communities. ient communities and empowering stakeholders in the formulation and
Settlements and Urban Development Late Renewal of Registration of Real Compliance to the Balanced Housing
Coordinating Committee (NHSUDCC) and Estate Brokers and Salespersons for the Development Program https://forms.gle/
Scan the QR code DHSUD’s Central Office has three main bureaus and eight support implementation of the Department’s plans and programs.
Regional Human Settlements and Urban Year 2021 RTCuGEs7
Development Coordinating Committee
or follow the link: efGMkBJS7 services. It can be found in the heart of Quezon City, while its sixteen Ultimately, DHSUD will move forward with its vision of decent housing in
(RHSUDCC) Regional Offices are located in key cities around the country (see map for well-planned communities for every Filipino family.
30 BANGON MARAWI MARCH 2021

Road to recovery
MARAWI CITY – The residents of Marawi should rejoice as the building and Del Rosario declared that Marawi’s rebuilding process is already about 50
rehabilitation of structures that have been destroyed during the five-month percent complete.
battle in 2017 have reached halfway point, inching closer to completion. “I would say on the average, it’s between 45 and 50 percent accomplish-
With just a few months left, the progress under Task Force Bangon Marawi ment for the whole rehabilitation. Based on our Master Development Plan, we

MARAWI CITY REHAB NOW 50% COMPLETE (TFBM) led by its Chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario together with the
56 implementing agencies are seeing significant progress as agencies contin-
are on track with the target that we have set,” said the TFBM chief, who has
been frequenting the city to personally oversee the project.
BY CHRISTIAN V. CABAJAR uously work to meet the December 2021 deadline.
TURNOVER OF PERMANENT SHELTERS

R
Progress is evident, most especially in the Most Affected Area, where
various infrastructure projects such as the Grand Padian Market, barangay ecently, he led the first turnover of permanent shelters to 109 families of
halls, an integrated school and a museum are now in various stages of comple- internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Marawi Resettlement Site and
tion. The same could be said to mosques, roads and other common facilities. Permanent Houses (Phase 1) in Barangay West Dulay. The houses were
Drastic transformation is evident in the areas that are under construction built on a 1.8-hectare land provided and developed by the Social Housing
throughout the city. Exposed steel rods and rough cement that were still Finance Corporation through UN-Habitat’s Community Driven Shelter and
visible in December have been replaced by smooth tiles and fresh paint. The Livelihood Project with a $10-million (roughly ₱485-million) grant from the
crevices created by bullets in the pavement and walls have been smoothen Japanese government. Each 2-story unit has a floor area of 42 square meters
out while the graffiti are gone. and is equipped with a toilet and bathroom, a kitchen, basic lighting with elec-
During his latest visit to Marawi in March — his third for 2021 — Secretary tric outlets and sewerage piping system. The subdivision-like resettlement
also has electric and water supplies.
2 3 SCENES OF PROGRESS: 1 Residents sit beside a completed permanent shelter in Barangay West
Dulay, Marawi City; 2 TFBM Chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario (right) and UN-Habitat In addition, another housing project for Marawi’s IDPs is currently in the
Philippines Country Programme Manager Christopher Rollo (2nd from right) lead the inspection works, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim
4 5 of the Marawi Resettlement Site and Permanent Houses in Barangay West Dulay. They are
joined by Undersecretary Zyril Carlos (left) and UN-Habitat Project Manager Warren Ubongen Mindanao. It is a ₱125-million project which will feature 50 2-story duplexes
(center); 3 Secretary Del Rosario and Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra hold a dialogue with on a 4-hectare property donated by actor Robin Padilla.
members of the civil society organizations serving as Third Party Monitoring for the Marawi
rehabilitation; 4 Workers inspect the perimeter of permanent shelters under construction in The TFBM has also teamed up with the Cooperative Development
Barangay Patani, where 438 housing units will be erected by UN-Habitat Philippines; and Authority to build the Livelihood Training Center for Marawi Cooperatives. The
5
Workers haul cement to the upper level of the Grand Mosque inside Marawi City.
project aims to sharpen their skills of IDPs who lost their sources of income
Photos taken by Mario J. Mallari during the siege and improve the capabilities of cooperatives across the city.
1

Outsider’s perspective | From page 32

a literally concrete manifestation of the Marawi but to actually provide a “smarter” not thousands, of food, clothing and other to walk along with the Task Force until we the TFBM to provide the Maranaos with that the Task Force is keen on cementing
efforts to bring Marawi back to life, and even way of moving forward. livelihood stalls managed by the Maranaos meet the needs of our brothers and sisters state-of-the-art facilities that will certainly stronger partnerships with private stake­
more. “We have shown some interest in the who were affected by the armed conflict. here,” Kit said. aid the progress of rehabilitation and their holders in line with efforts to transform
Bangon Marawi opportunity because this It is a clear testament that the rehabili­ The blooming economic stability lures communities in general. Marawi into a vibrant and modern city.
RISING FROM THE ASHES initiative has a similar direction as our orga­ tation is moving in the right direction with the private sector into venturing into Another private organization teaming up “With our partner organizations helping
More than three years after the siege laid by nization. And that is encouraging social regards to fast-tracking Marawi’s rebuilding projects meant to rehabilitate Marawi. In with the TFBM is the Kilos Kabataan Live­ us in all facets, I person­
Daesh-inspired terrorists, Marawi is gradu­ responsibility. With the journey that Marawi process, particularly in promoting modern­ the case of Kit, he only has optimism on lihood Foundation, Inc., which has been ally believe that Marawi
ally returning back to normalcy in terms of is undergoing right now, the Alcatel-Lucent ization through cutting-edge technology. the transformation of the city through at the forefront in providing educational will become one of the
economic activities. Thanks to government­ Enterprise wants to be a part of it. At the “They are now getting back into their appropriate technologies, specifically on programs and materials to the Maranao country’s most competi­
led rehabilitation efforts through the TFBM same time, we will bring back to the commu­ feet. When we move around, we can see information and communication. youth. It spearheaded a pilot program for an tive cities once the reha­
and its 56 implementing agencies, the nity the technology and transformation that less soldiers, less police personnel so it “From what we have seen from the start e-learning project intended for madrasahs in bilitation program is
country’s only Islamic city is continuously they need,” Kit said. only proves that violence is no longer there, of the war until now, I think in the next Marawi early last year. completed,” Secretary
showing signs of recovery. Economic vibrancy has indeed bounced compared to what we have been seeing year, it will be a totally different Marawi. TFBM Chairman and Department of Del Rosario said.
Witnessing first-hand the fruits of the back especially in the Less Affected Area, and what we have been hearing before,” Kit The perception will totally be different Human Settlements and Urban Develop­
A panorama of the
hard toil from combined efforts of the composed of 72 barangays. Marawi City shared, expectantly hoping things will even after the completion of all the construction ment Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said ongoing rehabilitation
government, its partners and, of course, its LGU reported a significant rise in revenue get better in the next few months. happening here, plus the manifestation in Marawi City seen
from the School of
inhabitants, Kit expressed optimism on the collection in terms of real estate and busi­ of technology investment,” Kit Living Tradition in
future of Marawi. ness taxes — from ₱500,000 a year prior to MOVING FORWARD added. Barangay Dansalan.
He said his company is specifically the May 2017 siege to ₱30-million this year. “I think Marawi’s journey is already going Kit and his company
looking into providing technologies which Local businesses are once again bloom­ there. And as to our organization, we wanted continuously work with
will certainly help not only to rebuild ing, evidenced by the return of hundreds, if to be a part of that journey. We are committed
32 BANGON MARAWI MARCH 2021

MARAWI CITY:
From an outsider’s perspective
BY MYRIAM G. LAYAOEN
AND CHRISTIAN V. CABAJAR
The moment we landed
MARAWI CITY – Prior to coming here, I
thought it’s going to be difficult,” quipped Kit in Cagayan de Oro,
Andal as he observantly walked through the
paved roads of Marawi City.
traversing Iligan City and
“But the moment we landed in Cagayan
de Oro, traversing Iligan City and finally
finally reaching Marawi,
reaching Marawi, the experience turned the experience turned
different. Instead of being worried, I felt
excited witnessing the progress of rehabil- different. Instead of being
itation of the then-battered and hostile city
as portrayed in the media,” he added in awe. worried, I felt excited
K it is the Countr y Manager of
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, a global leader in witnessing the progress of rehabilitation
business communications and collaboration
solutions. The company is currently playing
of the then-battered and hostile city as
a pivotal role in boosting and providing
information and communication technology
portrayed in the media.
solutions in rebuilding Marawi. Kit Andal
Similar to the common perception on Country Manager of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
the war-torn city, Kit admittedly harbored
an apprehension prior to joining the Task
Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) delegation
in a recent visit to check on the ongoing Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairman Secretary Eduardo
rehabilitation projects of the government. Del Rosario (center) inspects the ongoing construction of the
School of Living Tradition in Barangay Dansalan, Marawi City.
When he finally set foot on their destina- He is joined by (from left) TFBM Field Office Manager
tion, his consciousness suddenly trans- Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr. and Marawi Mayor
formed from a murky devastation into Majul Gandamra.

a bright and hopeful outlook. Photos taken by Mario J. Mallari

His realization sprang from the
roads being cleared from debris and
the structures mushrooming in
strategic corners of the streets —
Story continued on PAGE 30