DHSUD to automate land use and human settlement planning

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has agreed to automate land use and human settlement planning to help local government units (LGUs) make communities sustainable.

DHSUD said it signed the memorandum of agreement for the development of integrated systems for the automation of land use and human settlement planning with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) over the weekend.

Under the agreement, DHSUD Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III said the system would help LGUs craft data-driven and risk-based measures to effectively carry out zoning, infrastructure development, transportation and other aspects of land use.

The DHSUD said it also aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of urban development by equipping planners with technology and data to make informed decisions that help communities be more livable, resilient and well-planned.

He added that the agreement addresses the “crucial need to anchor strategies on science-based policies to guide program implementation toward the right direction and cover all facets of human needs for housing and settlements.”

Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., meanwhile, expressed his department’s support to the overarching goal of the DHSUD.

“The DOST with its 18 attached organizations, 16 regional offices and 80 provincial science and technology offices… will support the advocacy of DHSUD to transform our cities and building resilient communities,” he said.

The agreement was signed in the culmination of the DHSUD’s first-ever Philippine Urban Forum, where stakeholders discussed how to tackle measures to address simple to complex challenges facing the urban development sector.