DHSUD chief approves Mandaue land use plan

The cities of Mandaue and Zamboanga are the latest to be added to the growing list of local government units (LGUs) whose Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) have been approved by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

In two successive ceremonies held at the DHSUD Central Office boardroom on Friday, Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario ratified the two cities’ CLUPs after their respective local chief executives presented them via video conference.

Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes highlighted the city’s strategies and programs on the effective land management and utilization, as well as the city’s ongoing efforts in terms of improving Mandaue’s urban development sector.

Expressing his delight to the city’s presentation, Secretary Del Rosario assured the Mandaue LGU that DHSUD is always ready to be of assistance with regard to further improving the city’s urbanization.

“Today, Mandaue City presented the plan, policies and programs they intend to implement to attain their desired vision for the city in the coming years. This will serve as a roadmap, guiding the city into becoming green and resilient to ensure better living standards for the people of Mandaue,” the housing czar stressed.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco stressed on the importance of the CLUP and its pivotal role in allowing the local government unit to communicate to various sectors of the population, as well as its plans to cater to their needs of land resources.

According to the Zamboanga chief executive, the CLUP also operationalizes the vision of the local government maximizing its land resources.

Lauding the Zamboanga LGU for its efforts, Secretary Del Rosario also vowed to extend assistance to the city government in pursuing effective land and resource management.

“Witnessing the presentation of Zamboanga City’s CLUP today showed us the LGU’s sheer dedication in espousing sustainable and resilient environment planning, strengthening climate change and disaster risk measures, including construction of quality shelter that respects cultural norms, implementing a ridge-to-reef approach in rural and urban growth areas, as well as protecting rich natural resources,” the DHSUD chief noted.

Friday’s events, organized by DHSUD Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning Development Bureau OIC-Director Nora Diaz, were aimed at ensuring sustainable growth in harmonizing the CLUP into LGU’s local shelter plans.

As mandated by Republic Act 11201, DHSUD is tasked to help LGUs in preparing their respective development plans.

According to Secretary Del Rosario, the Department remains committed to assisting LGUs in pursuing the realization of modern, decent, economically viable and environmentally sustainable Filipino communities nationwide, especially amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.