DOTr, DHSUD sign deal on land use, transport planning

The Department of Transportation has signed a deal with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to adopt an  integrated approach to land use and transport planning for informal settlers that will be affected by transit oriented development projects.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the transport and human settlements agencies will leverage each other’s expertise in land-use, housing and transportation planning to increase social and economic opportunities for Filipinos.

 “For the first time, the DOTr and DHSUD have joined forces to create livable, vibrant and healthy communities. We will leverage our collective expertise,” Bautista said.

Under the agreement, the DOTr and DHSUD will coordinate for the relocation and resettlement activities affected by the former’s transport projects; plan with concerned local government units transport-oriented development areas of major projects; study and plan estates and new town development to ensure integrated land use and transport planning.

The DOTr will likewise coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) the improvement of accessibility to existing and new DHSUD township, estate and housing projects by establishing new public transport routes to be identified and integrated in the route plans identified by LGUs and route rationalization studies of the DOTr and LTFRB.

According Bautista, transport infrastructure integrated with land use and housing will ensure sustainability and propagate green spaces for communities.

On the other hand, the DHSUD will formulate and prescribe land use planning and zoning standards and regulations for the formulation of City-Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CMCLUP).

Human Settlements Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar explained the agreement will ensure that both housing and transportation will be prioritized.