DHSUD chief wants housing projects completed

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario prodded members of the National Human Settlements and Urban Development Coordinating Committee (NHSUDCC) to ensure the completion of all housing projects nationwide.

In presiding over Tuesday’s third meeting of the (NHSUDCC) at the DHSUD Central Office, Secretary Del Rosario emphasized the pivotal role of coordination among DHSUD, its key shelter agencies (KSAs) and all stakeholders, particularly the local government units (LGUs) and partner-developers, in ensuring that all housing projects are finalized within their specified timeline.

The housing czar likewise cited the importance of encouraging LGUs to draft and complete their local shelter plans (LSPs) to ensure the smooth implementation of their respective housing projects.

“We must urge local government units to finalize and complete their respective local shelter plans,” the DHSUD chief stressed.

“Kailangan sa packaging natin, from start to end, kailangan matapos talaga ang projects, hindi yung for show lang ang groundbreaking. The implementation of housing projects is both a commitment and a social responsibility,” Secretary Del Rosario said.

Also high on the agenda were coordination between DHSUD and the National Housing Authority regarding the latest developments of ongoing housing projects nationwide, updates on Regional Human Settlements and Urban Development Coordinating Committees (RHUDCCs) and notable achievements by KSAs for this year.

Joining the housing czar at the meeting were Undersecretary Marylin Pintor, Undersecretary Albert dela Cruz, Assistant Secretary Avelino Tolentino III, Assistant Secretary Mel Aradanas, and Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Manager Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr.

Top officials from DHSUD’s key shelter agencies – led by PagIBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation President Carlos Luis Rabat, the NHA’s Agnes Agay and Socialized Housing Finance Corporation Executive Vice President Junefe Payot – were likewise in attendance.

Heads of DHSUD services and bureaus as well as regional directors and other KSA officials took part via video conference.

The NHSUDCC serves as a platform to strengthen coordination between DHSUD and KSAs in carrying out the Department’s housing and urban development policies and programs nationwide.

Among its primary objectives are to recommend policies and programs that will be elevated to the National Human Settlement Board for approval, monitor and evaluate the functions of KSAs, as well as facilitate the harmonization of housing programs and streamlining of processes to eliminate overlaps.