Bringing together over 400 stakeholders, including national policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and industry leaders from September 16 to 17, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) concluded its 34th National Developers Convention at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Anchored on the theme "Elevate: Sustaining Progress through Collaboration and Strategic Housing Innovations," the two-day summit wrapped up with the adoption of a strategic 7-point resolution roadmap to accelerate housing delivery and foster a more responsive housing sector.
Formally presented by SHDA Corporate Secretary Atty. Mena R. Ojeda Jr., the Convention Resolutions outline key industry commitments: 1) sustaining engagement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD); 2) strengthening ease of doing business and participation in Technical Working Groups for the Joint Memorandum Circular involving 15 agencies on housing permitting and licensing; 3) supporting digitization of government-to-government processes and land-titling computerization; 4) strengthening housing taxation efforts, including review of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) and land valuation; 5) enhancing collaboration for affordable and sustainable housing; 6) maximizing economic corridor opportunities alongside solid waste management, water, electricity, and connectivity requirements; and 7) pursuing new and innovative housing developments and interventions responsive to shifting social, economic, demographics, and housing preferences and demand.
These priorities reflected the convention’s discussions. Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog, Senior Economist at CRC Foundation Inc. and Associate Professor at the University of Asia & the Pacific, delivered a status report on the Collaborative Philippine Housing Roadmap 2025–2040, citing progress in streamlining developer permitting standards, with a mandatory 15-day service-level agreement for License to Sell approvals, zero-backlog initiative across regional offices, and 100% digital tracking for development permits, alongside other roadmap goals still underway. Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Atty. Larry Barcelo discussed tax issuances and compliance requirements; Philippine Institute for Development Studies Vice President Dr. Marife Ballesteros examined housing affordability; and Colliers Philippines Research Director Joey Bondoc provided an outlook on the country’s property market beyond 2026.
An update from Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Deputy Director General for Operations, Undersecretary Dr. Lea Grace Salcedo, covered the presentation of JMC No. 1, s. 2026 under the National Effort for Harmonization of Efficient Measures of Inter-related Agencies (NEHEMIA) initiative, aimed at streamlining housing processes and supporting an electronic housing one-stop shop. Sessions also covered land acquisition and conversion, digital government services, 4PH project processes, and eNotarization, alongside discussions on the Luzon Economic Corridor, waste management, circular economy practices, and electricity solutions for communities.
Day 2 focused on market trends, design, and innovation. Philippine Survey Research Center Research Director Andrea Dizon shared findings showing that 61% of Filipinos who plan to purchase a house within the next 3 years prefer to live just outside the city. Location and accessibility remain top considerations, with 78% citing opportunity, while 57% prefer to live within 30 minutes' distance from family. The findings highlighted a primary home with location connected to the city corridor, accessible, in close proximity to family, and better space as factors shaping housing choices across generations.
Jacinto C. Ng Jr., Founder and Group Executive Officer of Joy~Nostalg Group | Raemulan Lands Inc., spoke on how synergy and enterprise can transform lives through NING*NING, creating the world’s first grid-connected, utility-scale solar rooftop installation integrated into a socialized housing community. Globe Telecom Vice President Abigail Cardino highlighted connectivity in modern homes and communities, while GIGIL Founding Partner Badong Abesamis and Plus 63 Co-Founder Dan Matutina explored creative strategy, design thinking, and connecting with the modern generation of homebuyers.
Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Enrique Manuel shared lessons from three decades of developing Bonifacio Global City, highlighting long-term planning, infrastructure, estate management, and the district’s next phase of smart-city, mobility, and sustainability initiatives. PGAA Creative Design Principal Archt. Paulo Alcazaren traced the evolution of Philippine subdivision planning and examined more walkable, sustainable communities with greater emphasis on public spaces.
SHDA Chairman Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas emphasized that the convention's value extends beyond the discussions held during the two-day event. “A convention is only as good as what happens after it ends. These resolutions give our members, and the agencies we work with, something concrete to hold each other to,” he said.
Assistant Corporate Secretary and Convention Overall Chairperson Clarissa de Joya highlighted, “What stood out this year wasn't just how many agencies showed up, it was how specific their commitments were, from permitting reforms to a formal review of the property valuation law, while also bringing new perspectives on shifting consumer behavior. That clarity is what will actually move things for the housing community.”
National President Kerwin Padua likewise emphasized the importance of continuing the work initiated during the convention. “Two days of dialogue mean nothing if we don’t act on them. These resolutions are how we make sure this convention outlasts the days it happened in,” he said.
SHDA reaffirmed its commitment to continue collaborating with DHSUD and key government partners, with the Convention Resolutions serving as a guide for public- and private-sector stakeholders in shaping policy and program directions affecting housing development and delivery.
For more information on SHDA membership, initiatives, and advocacy, visit shda.ph or contact the SHDA Secretariat at shda.secretariat@gmail.com.
