Housing Summit 2025 tackles developers’ challenges in the housing industry in Cebu

CEBU CITY – The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association–Central Visayas (SHDA-CV) gathered nearly a hundred participants from the national agencies, local governments, developers, utilities, and financial institutions at the Housing Summit 2025, September 26 at NuStar Resort Cebu, to tackle the region’s housing challenges including housing reforms, with stakeholders aligning on faster permitting, stronger financing systems, and expanded housing supply.

SHDA-CV President Harold Vince See, in his opening message, called for a united approach to speed up project approvals, unlock land, and create communities that are climate-resilient and economically vibrant.

Early sessions highlighted trends showing strong demand in the economic and mid-market segments, with rising interest in townhouses and single-detached homes alongside continued growth in condominium projects. Despite this activity, the country’s housing backlog remains a serious concern.

Jennifer Bretaña, Regional Director, DEPDev placed housing within the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan for 2023–2028, stressing the need for livable and disaster-resilient communities and stronger LGU-led housing governance.  “Our economic growth must translate into affordable, decent homes in safe neighborhoods,” she said.

Angelito Aguila, ASEC of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) bared the government’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program that include the revised price ceilings, expanded financing options, and new compliance mechanisms to encourage public-private partnerships, particularly for subdivision and rental housing projects.  He also bared steps toward digitalizing housing permits very soon, to cut bureaucratic delays.

Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary Ernesto Perez revealed that a Joint Memorandum Circular with DHSUD is set for signing in October to simplify and digitize the permitting process. The reform, anchored on a Housing One-Stop Processing Center, aims to reduce red tape and encourage faster project delivery.

Meantime, the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) also briefed participants on the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, a landmark law designed to standardize property valuation nationwide. The measure is expected to boost LGU revenues and support infrastructure development essential to new housing communities, he said.

Head Legal Counsel of 8990 Deca Homes, delivered an inspirational message highlighting its “Bahay Para sa Lahat” advocacy, making low-cost housing accessible to ordinary Filipino families.

The Housing Summit concluded with the oath-taking of the new SHDA-CV members and a message from Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas of the national SHDA calling for collaboration between government and the private sector to translate reforms into projects and projects into livable, sustainable homes for Filipino families. (Photos: MBCNewman/CONPC)