Creba pushes for key reforms to address housing backlog
CREBA national president Noel Toti M. Cariño
The Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. (Creba) has pushed for the passage of key legislative measures that can help sustain economic growth while addressing the country’s 6.5 million housing backlog.
“We are ready to work with our lawmakers toward a future where every Filipino has a place to call home—and where housing becomes the cornerstone of a stronger, more resilient economy,” the group said in a statement.
Key reforms
The umbrella organization of the country’s real estate and housing sector said it was seeking, among others, for the amendment of the balanced housing provisions under Republic Act No. 7279 or Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 to encourage greater private sector participation in the delivery of socialized and economic housing units. It likewise sought for “fundamental changes” to Republic Act No. 6552 or the Maceda Law to promote equitable consideration of developers and buyers’ welfare in cases of defaulted home purchases.
Creba likewise renewed its advocacy for the National Land Use Act, which it has long championed, urging legislators to enact the measure to establish a clear, equitable framework for land allocation that safeguards agricultural resources, promotes infrastructure and human settlements, and ensures sustainable growth.
“While the bill has been, time and again, certified as an urgent measure, several versions of the NLUA bills have continued to languish in the legislative mills for close to 30 years for lack of consensus among stakeholders,” the group lamented.
Access to financing
Creba further highlighted what it called the long overdue enactment of a Comprehensive Home Financing Program, which could expand access to long-term, affordable housing credit for low- and middle-income families. It urged lawmakers as well to amend or strengthen existing laws on property registration, taxation, fiscal incentives and rental housing, hoping to eliminate bottlenecks and improve efficiency in land development and the delivery of much-needed housing units in support of national government goals.
According to Creba, these measures will help address the “nation’s nagging housing shortfall, streamlining property development, and improving the overall investment climate in real estate to more effectively respond to the large-scale goals of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, (which was) recently recalibrated and expanded.”
The group is hoping for the support of senators and congressmen in championing these measures, citing the urgency of advancing policies that deliver real, measurable impact.
With over five decades of advocacy and engagement, Creba continues to champion policies that promote inclusive growth, sustainable development, and access to decent housing for all Filipinos. It continues to serve as a key partner in shaping policies that empower both communities and industry stakeholders.
