Acuzar tells housing group: Help us in realizing 4PH

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar has sought the help of the National Real Estate Association Inc. in realizing the government’s dream to build six million houses for Filipino families.

This was the message of Acuzar after administering the oath of office to the new set of officers of NREA last 22 February at the DHSUD Conference Room in Quezon City.

(From left)  DHSUD Usec Wilfredo Mallari, Asec Hanica Rachael Ong, Asec Sharon Faith Paquiz, Usec Emmanuel Pineda; NREA Trustee Rodolfo Leonen, Advisers Benigno Cabrieto, Ricky Celis and Bansan Choa; PRO Ian Mulingbayan, Adviser Marcelini Mendoza, VP-External Atty. Ador Tolentino, President Red J. Rosales, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino “Jerry” L. Acuzar, NREA Board Chairlady Imelda Magtoto, Board Vice Chair Ruth Marie Atienza, EVP Loren Sales, VP-Chapters Zenaida Fruto, Treasurer Nicole Lim Choa, Secretary General Loudette Carlos, Trustee Emie Pulido; DHSUD Asec Krizzy de Leon, Usec Garry de Guzman and Asec Daryll Brian Villanueva.

As DHSUD’s partner developers’ group, Secretary Acuzar urged NREA members to regularly set dialogue with the Department to align plans under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program or 4PH and reiterated the need for affordable housing for homeless Filipinos.

During the event, NREA Board Chairlady Imelda Magtoto and National President Red Rosales renewed their organization’s commitment to helping address the housing backlog in the country.

The event was witnessed by DHSUD Undersecretaries Garry de Guzman, Emmanuel Pineda and Wilfredo Mallari, as well as Assistant Secretaries Daryll Brian Villanueva, Krizzy de Leon, and Sharon Faith Paquiz.

The NREA president further also told DHSUD officials that they have finalized the holding of the 28th NREA-DHSUD National Convention on 16 to 17 May 2024 at Makati Sports Club, Makati City.

Rosales said the convention will feature an array of real estate experts-speakers on current and urgent industry topics of concern.

“Reflective of NREA’s program thrusts this year, the convention had for its theme: NREA – Realizing the Dream of a Thriving Philippine Real Estate Industry”, Rosales added.

Streamline rules

Meanwhile, during her interview at Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon of government-led television station PTV 4 on Wednesday, Assistant Secretary Paquiz said the department will streamline rules for developers, buyers and homeowners’ groups to better serve the public as the government seeks to address the housing backlog in the country.

Paquiz identified problems in the licensing and registration of real estate projects of condominiums and subdivisions, adding that the checklist requirements and the rules governing these projects are “scattered.”

The DSHUD official stressed that developers had difficulty ascertaining the standard requirements for compliance while buyers or stakeholders were unable to identify whether the developers were licensed.

“Third, it’s hard for DHSUD because we’re composed of different regional offices and our regional offices have their own set of standards, set of documentary requirements requested from developers,” she said.

She added the establishment of homeowner’s associations goes with the development of housing in subdivisions and condominiums as well. HOAs and their members must also be registered.

And to address all these concerns, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar issued Department Circular 2024-005 last 14 February, promoting ease of doing business for developers and homebuyers.