DURP forum explores local and regional housing initiatives toward inclusive and sustainable shelter

1 of 3

The Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) program of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), in collaboration with the Iloilo City Government and the Graduate School Student Council (GSSC), organized a forum titled “Planning for Shelter: Local and Regional Initiatives on Housing Development” on Nov. 8, 2025, at JR Hall, Diversion 21 Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The event brought together a total of 92 participants, which included planners, housing experts, government representatives, and students, to explore innovative and inclusive housing programs that address the country’s growing shelter needs. The half-day session, attended by DURP students, alumni, and guests from partner agencies, provided a dynamic venue for exchanging knowledge and best practices, linking academic perspectives with field-based governance experience.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Rhodella Ibabao, DURP faculty member and vice chancellor for planning and development of UPV, underscored the importance of connecting planning education with on-the-ground realities. She emphasized that the housing crisis must be approached with both technical competence and empathy, highlighting the need for collaboration among academic institutions, local governments, and communities. Dr. Nathaniel Añasco, school secretary of the UPV Graduate School, expressed his support for the forum, describing it as an avenue for experiential learning and a catalyst for strengthening partnerships between the university and the public sector. He emphasized the initiative as a platform that fosters interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration, enabling scholars, practitioners, and students from diverse fields to co-create solutions for local housing challenges.

Four resource persons shared their insights and experiences on local and regional housing initiatives that demonstrate creativity, inclusivity, and effective policy implementation. Architect Maricon S. Fuentabella, consultant architect of the Victorias City Government, presented “Victorias City’s Initiatives on Housing Development.” She discussed the Sidlak Global City Project in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, which integrates road and drainage improvements, mixed-use planning, and the development of a new government center. She also highlighted the Sidlak Residential Center under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, which provides 1,241 condominium-style units for informal settlers and middle-income workers. Fuentabella emphasized that the Victorias LGU’s approach to housing embodies sustainability, inclusivity, and forward-thinking design.

Environmental planner Ronald M. Cartagena, Iloilo City planning and development coordinator, presented the Pasilong: Pabahay Para sa Pamilyang Ilonggo Program, which features projects such as the Uswag Residential Complex and the Uswag Condominium Complex, a major public-private partnership offering 1,677 units across 13 10-story buildings. Other developments, including Rise Batiano Village and Westville Residences, demonstrate Iloilo City’s commitment to providing affordable, well-planned homes that integrate livelihood, education, and community spaces.

Representing EnP. Cristie Reyes, regional director of DHSUD Region VI, Ms. Chedar Novilla discussed the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program, the national government’s flagship housing initiative under Executive Order No. 34, series of 2023. The program aims to construct six million housing units within six years by offering reduced interest rates, supporting both vertical and horizontal developments, and strengthening collaboration between local governments and the private sector. She noted that the initiative aligns with Iloilo City’s comprehensive land use and development plans, promoting compact, inclusive, and transit-oriented growth.

EnP. Eva Maria P. Marfil, regional director of DHSUD Region VII, shared the Bayanihan Village Project in northern Cebu, a rapid housing response for earthquake victims.

Developed through interagency coordination among the OCD, DPWH, DOLE, DSWD, and AFP, the project completed its first 45 housing units within seven days. Marfil underscored that disaster-resilient housing depends on collaboration, strong local leadership, and efficient resource mobilization to provide both temporary and permanent shelter solutions.

During the open forum, the resource speakers emphasized that secure land tenure is essential to the success of housing initiatives. They noted that even well-funded projects cannot proceed without legally owned and properly classified land. They agreed that local government units must adopt more innovative and proactive approaches in recovering, reclassifying, and acquiring public lands to ensure readiness for future housing and infrastructure development.

Ms. Sonia Cadornigara, regional director of the Homeless People’s Federation of the Philippines Inc. (HPFPI), shared her insights and highlighted the importance of community participation and tenure security for the success of housing projects. She emphasized that truly inclusive housing must reflect the lived realities of the poor and informal settlers, ensuring that planning does not merely provide shelter but also fosters empowerment and dignity.

In her synthesis of the discussions, Ms. Mary Jane Dicen II, a first-year DURP student, observed that each presentation reflected the evolving role of planners in shaping livable, resilient, and inclusive communities. She noted that housing extends beyond infrastructure. It serves as a convergence of social justice, economic inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

The forum concluded with a reflection from Ms. Kate Ashley Bayona, chairperson of the Graduate School Student Council, who captured the human dimension of housing: “Housing is not merely the physical manifestation of a place to live; it is where communities rest, interact, make meanings, and create culture.” She commended the DURP students and organizing teams for translating theoretical knowledge into practical engagement, strengthening collaboration with government partners, and contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development. She concluded her speech with a reminder that every plan, policy, and project should begin and end with the people, and for the people.

The activity reaffirmed UPV’s continuing role as a bridge between academia and governance, fostering meaningful dialogue and cooperation among planners, policymakers, and communities. The discussions concluded that housing development transcends the technical aspects of planning—it is a collective pursuit toward a more resilient, inclusive, and dignified future for all Filipino communities. (Mary JE Cunada and Jee Grace Suyo-Diala)