House OKs Bill Expanding Land Options for Socialized Housing

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III approved on third and final reading on Wednesday House Bill (HB) No. 9697, which expands the land, financing, and partnership options available for socialized housing projects. The House members voted 205 for the bill, with only three against it. The approved measure aims to provide developers with more diverse avenues to pursue housing projects, including the utilization of public lands, untapped private parcels, enhanced partnerships with the private sector, and the introduction of new financing mechanisms. Philippines has long grappled with a severe housing shortage, particularly in urban centers, driven by rapid urbanization and population growth. While various housing policies have been implemented by successive administrations, their impact has often been constrained by land availability and financing challenges. The passage of HB 9697 is expected to pave the way for overcoming these obstacles. The bill also incorporates provisions to foster public-private partnerships (PPP) in housing development, leveraging private sector expertise and capital for more efficient and timely delivery of housing units. Furthermore, it encourages stronger collaboration with local government units, promoting the formulation of housing plans tailored to regional needs.