BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has expressed confidence that with the help of private real estate firms and professionals, they would be able to address the housing backlog in the region.

Antonette Anaban, regional director of the DHSUD-CAR, made the announcement during the opening of the three-day National Shelter Month Summit in this city.

The event is hosted by DHSUD-CAR and co-organized by the Chamber of Real Estate Builders’ Associations Inc. (CREBA).

Anaban said that aside from complementing the services of the DHSUD, the convention also includes a Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited seminar for engineers, architects and real estate brokers which is provided free of charge to the sector.

She said, “I am happy that CREBA is committing to institutionalize this partnership especially with DHSUD also involved in disaster response and their cooperation will be of great help to those affected by calamities.”

Anaban also cited the critical involvement of CREBA in the planning and implementation of housing programs.

“They have also expressed their desire to help bridge the gap of the housing backlog but asked local government units to identify LGU-owned lots that can be used for socialized housing which is the challenge,” she said.

Anaban said there is a total of 139,000 housing backlog in the region from 2016 to 2024. These include the housing resettlement needs of disaster victims, multiple households living in one house and the estimates based on the need for houses brought about by the increase in population.

In his message during the opening program, Emmanuel Clemente, CREBA-Baguio and Benguet chapter president, highlighted the need for and importance of public-private partnership.

He said that CREBA is willing to support the programs but the limited funds of local developers hinder the development of socialized housing.

The event brought together hundreds of real estate firms and professionals from all regions of the country who will get updates on the state of the industry.

Baguio City

Baguio City is a mountain resort city in the Philippines, established by the American colonial government in the early 1900s as a “Summer Capital” to escape the lowland heat. It is renowned for its cool climate, lush pine trees, and popular attractions like Burnham Park and Session Road.

Cordillera Administrative Region

The Cordillera Administrative Region is a mountainous area in northern Luzon, Philippines, renowned for its stunning rice terraces, particularly the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces. Historically, it is the homeland of various indigenous groups collectively known as the Igorot, who have maintained their rich cultural traditions for centuries. The region was established as an administrative entity in 1987 to promote the autonomy and development of its unique highland cultures.

Benguet

Benguet is a mountainous province in the northern Philippines, most famous for the Banaue Rice Terraces, which are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” These terraces were carved into the mountains over 2,000 years ago by the indigenous Ifugao people, ancestors of the Igorots, using minimal tools. The site represents a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and a sustainable agricultural system that has been passed down through generations.

Chamber of Real Estate Builders Association (CREBA)

The Chamber of Real Estate Builders’ Associations (CREBA) is the largest umbrella organization of real estate developers and builders in the Philippines. It was founded in 1973 with the goal of promoting sustainable and affordable housing, and it has played a significant role in shaping national housing policies and industry standards for decades.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is the primary national government agency in the Philippines responsible for the management of housing, human settlements, and urban development. It was formally established in 2019 through Republic Act 11201, consolidating the functions of the former Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Its mandate is to provide affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing and to ensure the balanced development of communities.

National Shelter Month Summit

The National Shelter Month Summit is an annual event focused on raising awareness and addressing issues of housing insecurity and homelessness. It brings together policymakers, advocates, and service providers to share strategies and build partnerships for creating sustainable housing solutions. While not a historical site, the summit represents an ongoing national effort to advance the right to safe and affordable shelter.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is not a physical place but a process for professionals to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. The concept has evolved from informal on-the-job learning into a structured, lifelong process, often mandated by professional bodies to ensure competency and adherence to industry standards.

CREBA-Baguio and Benguet

CREBA-Baguio and Benguet refers to the local chapter of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations (CREBA) in the Baguio City and Benguet province area of the Philippines. This organization represents real estate developers and builders in this key region, which has a history of development driven by its establishment as a American hill station (Baguio) and its rich natural resources and agricultural lands (Benguet). It plays a role in shaping the urban and economic landscape of the Cordillera region.