Affordable Housing Summit 2024 to shape the future of Philippine housing

The Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) is hosting the Affordable Housing Summit 2024 at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City.

This two-day landmark event, which kicked off yesterday, is bringing together real estate developers, industry practitioners, and key stakeholders to forge innovative solutions aimed at redefining affordable housing in the Philippines.

With the theme “Breaking Barriers—Revolutionizing the Philippine Housing Industry,” the summit is designed to go beyond discussions, empowering participants to take unified, decisive action against the nation’s housing challenges. OSHDP national president Paolo Giovanni Olivares emphasized that the summit will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, rallying developers and builders to overcome the nearly insurmountable obstacles in the housing sector.

Game-changing initiatives

The Philippines currently faces a staggering housing deficit of approximately 6.5 million units, exacerbated by fiscal constraints, shifting program priorities, and political challenges. Olivares stressed that the conventional approaches are no longer sufficient.

“We must shift from business-as-usual strategies to radical, game-changing initiatives that will truly revolutionize the housing industry,” he said.

OSHDP chair Engr. Marcelino C. Mendoza echoed this call for action.

“The summit is a decisive moment for us to address the widening housing gap. We need to break free from outdated practices and embrace a complete reset in regulatory frameworks and incentive structures. It’s time to re-invent the way we approach housing in this country,” Mendoza urged.

Tackling pressing issues

The summit kicked off on the morning of Aug. 29 with a community outreach activity in collaboration with Set Forth Philippines, a non-governmental organization dedicated to transforming communities by providing equal and accessible learning opportunities for Filipino children. The day culminated in a Partners’ Night, fostering networking and collaboration among attendees.

The convention proper is taking place today, Aug. 30, featuring a series of sessions aimed at tackling the most pressing issues in affordable housing. The event will conclude with a Fellowship Night, offering participants a chance to unwind and forge deeper connections.

In addition to the valuable insights and networking opportunities, attendees will also earn four units of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, applicable for the renewal of their professional licenses with the Professional Regulatory Board for Real Estate Service.

As the Affordable Housing Summit 2024 unfolds, it promises to be a pivotal event that would help drive the evolution of the Philippine housing industry, steering it towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.