SHDA marks 55 years amid growing home crisis

CEBU, Philippines — As the Philippines faces a housing shortage of over 6.5 million homes, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) is marking its 55th anniversary with a renewed focus on industry reform and innovation.

The celebration will take place on May 20, 2025, at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, bringing together key leaders from both government and the private sector.

Established in 1970 as the Subdivision Owners Association of the Philippines (SOAP), SHDA has grown into the country’s largest housing industry group, with 350 member developers and eight regional chapters.

Over the years, it has expanded its focus from building housing lots to offering more complete and inclusive housing solutions for Filipinos across income levels.

“Our group was built on advocacy,” said SHDA President Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas. “At 55, we’re not just celebrating the past—we’re looking to the future. The housing problem is getting worse and needs a united and well-planned response. SHDA is ready to lead that effort.”

SHDA continues to help shape national housing policies and push for simpler, more efficient regulations. In 1970, the housing backlog was around 700,000 homes.

Today, it has grown almost ten times, driven by rapid urban growth, rising demand, and slow government approval processes for building permits and financing.

SHDA Chairman Ar. Leonardo B. Dayao Jr. said these challenges must be addressed.

“Before, there was one main housing office to deal with. Now there are many steps—local permits, zoning rules, and environmental approvals. These are all important, but we need faster and more coordinated systems to build homes faster and better,” he said.

In 2024, SHDA launched the Philippine Housing Industry Roadmap 2025–2040 at its annual National Developers Convention.

The roadmap, created with partners like the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and other housing groups, identifies key challenges and offers practical solutions to increase housing supply and support national growth.

“This isn’t just a dream—it’s a working plan. It shows how we can build more homes that are affordable, sustainable, and available in the provinces, not just in big cities,” Villegas emphasized.

SHDA has also supported recent policy changes that benefit both developers and buyers, including updated price ceilings for socialized and low-cost housing. The group continues to back the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) housing program and is strengthening its regional chapters to help local developers overcome on-the-ground challenges.

Looking ahead, SHDA is embracing innovation—from using green building materials and smart technologies to exploring artificial intelligence that can speed up construction. It is also organizing international study tours in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to learn from global best practices.

“This anniversary is not just about how long we’ve been here—it’s about our role in moving the industry forward. Through every housing shortage, every economic slowdown, SHDA has stayed strong. Our goal remains clear: to help every Filipino own a home,” Dayao said. — (FREEMAN)