SHDA marks 52nd anniversary, affirms continuous ties with key housing agencies towards a future-ready housing industry

The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) has remained bullish on creating a pandemic-proof and future-ready Philippine housing industry as it celebrates its 52nd anniversary.

The largest housing organization in the country—which has over 350 members from eight regional chapters and over 30 affiliate members—has also vowed to further nurture its already warming relationship with key housing agencies as it seeks to become a true enabler in the industry.

SHDA’s celebration was graced by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario, who lauded the group for playing an integral part in the pursuit towards a sustainable, safe, resilient and vibrant housing industry. He was joined by Pag-IBIG Fund SVP Fermin Sta. Teresa Jr. and top officials of the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines, Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations and National Real Estate Association.

SHDA adviser Ar. Joe De Guzman, in a statement delivered by his son Raymond de Guzman Jr., said that from the time the group started as Subdivision Owners Association of the Philippines Inc. in 1970, it was already performing impressively in unifying subdivision developers under one organization to influence government policy towards improving viability for the industry, consistent with public welfare.

SHDA’s accomplishments include encouraging private sector participation in housing development, improving access to housing finance and ensuring the sustainability of the Pag-IBIG Fund, and, streamlining regulatory and permitting processes. These helped reduce the cost of housing units and expanded the housing market to medium- and low-income buyers.

“I sincerely hope that SHDA will continue to work with the new administration and DHSUD to again make housing a top priority program of the government for the next six years, and to focus this time on addressing regulatory bottlenecks that have kept us from catching up with the housing backlog,” De Guzman said.

SHDA chief marketing officer Steven Tambunting added that SHDA has evolved to become more responsive and relevant to the needs of its members. It was instrumental in the re-opening of the sector right after the lockdown. The pandemic also served as a catalyst to the adoption of innovative technologies and green and sustainable building methods among small and medium developers.

“Disruption brings about greater efficiencies and will help us achieve our goal of wiping out the housing backlog by 2030,” Tambunting said. “We aim to bring these innovations to our members to future-proof our industry.”

SHDA also unveiled its new logo, reflecting its modernization and focus on future-proofing of the housing industry, and its refreshed website, through which members and partners can converge, network and collaborate.

“Our new logo expresses our evolution as an organization, grounded in our sturdy foundations, and remaining vibrant while adapting to a changing industry,” said SHDA first vice president Maya Jazmin Colayco.