Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
A. My insights regarding on the following statements ................................................................... 4
B. RAPHICAL / TABULATED PRESENTATION ...................................................................... 8
Reference ...................................................................................................................................... 17

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Introduction

Architecture in the Philippines is deeply intertwined with the country's diverse cultural
heritage, colonial history, and contemporary socio-economic challenges. While the Philippines
boasts a rich architectural tapestry ranging from traditional Bahay Kubo dwellings to modern
skyscrapers, it also grapples with a myriad of architectural issues. These issues encompass
urbanization pressures, inadequate infrastructure, preservation of cultural heritage, housing
shortages, and resilience against natural disasters. Addressing these challenges requires a
concerted effort from both the government and the private sector to ensure sustainable, inclusive,
and resilient architectural development.

Responsibility of the Government: The government of the Philippines bears a crucial

responsibility in addressing architectural issues to foster equitable and sustainable development
across the country. Key responsibilities include:

1. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development:

• Formulating comprehensive urban development plans to manage rapid

urbanization and promote balanced regional growth.

• Investing in critical infrastructure such as transportation networks, water supply,

sanitation, and waste management systems to support urban communities.

2. Preservation of Cultural Heritage:

• Implementing policies and regulations to protect and preserve culturally

significant architectural landmarks and heritage sites.

• Supporting initiatives for adaptive reuse and restoration of historic buildings to

promote cultural identity and tourism.

3. Affordable Housing and Urban Resilience:

• Implementing housing policies and programs to address housing shortages,

particularly for low-income households and informal settlers.

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 • Integrating resilience measures into architectural designs and urban planning to
mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.

4. Regulation and Enforcement:

• Enforcing building codes, zoning regulations, and land use policies to ensure the
safety, sustainability, and quality of architectural developments.

• Strengthening regulatory agencies and mechanisms to combat corruption,

streamline permit processes, and improve transparency in the construction sector.

5. Capacity Building and Collaboration:

• Investing in professional training, research, and education to enhance the skills

and competencies of architects, planners, and construction professionals.

• Fostering partnerships and collaborations with the private sector, academia, civil
society, and international organizations to leverage resources and expertise in
addressing architectural challenges.

By fulfilling its responsibilities, the government can play a pivotal role in promoting
inclusive, resilient, and sustainable architectural development that enhances the quality of life for
all Filipinos.

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A. My insights regarding on the following statements

1. What are the main challenges and gaps in the current housing regulatory framework in the
Philippines, and how do they impact housing development and access to housing?

The Philippines faces several challenges and gaps in its housing regulatory framework,
significantly impacting housing development and access to housing. These challenges include
informal settlements and urban poor housing, complex land tenure systems, bureaucratic red tape
and corruption, inadequate urban planning and zoning, and limited financing options and
subsidies.

Informal settlements, such as those in Metro Manila's Tondo and Payatas areas, lack
secure land tenure and access to basic services due to unclear regulations, hindering integration
into formal housing systems and leaving residents vulnerable to eviction and displacement.
Complex land tenure systems, exemplified by conflicts in provinces like Negros Occidental,
impede housing development due to uncertain property rights and overlapping claims.

Bureaucratic red tape and corruption contribute to delays and increased costs in housing
projects, as seen in the New Bilibid Prison housing project in Muntinlupa City. Inadequate urban
planning and zoning exacerbate challenges by promoting urban sprawl and informal settlements,
as demonstrated by the vulnerability of Tacloban City's informal settlements to disasters like
Typhoon Haiyan.

Limited financing options and subsidies further constrain access to housing, forcing many
Filipinos into substandard living conditions. The government has explored solutions like
socialized housing programs and public-private partnerships to address this issue.

2. What are the roles and responsibilities of different government agencies and local government
units in enforcing housing regulations in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, the enforcement of housing regulations is a combined effort of different

government agencies and local government units. Here are some of the key agencies and their
roles:

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1. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) - This is the
central housing authority in the Philippines. It has absorbed the duties and functions of
the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing
and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) "ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORK OF
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES-Ables.pdf - ORGANIZATIONAL
NETWORK OF PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Department of Human |
Course Hero".

2. The Office of the Secretary - This office houses the Department Secretary, Under
Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary has the authority and responsibility
for the exercise of the mandates of the department and for the discharge of its powers and
functions.

3. The Bureaus - Each bureau is headed by a Director who exercises administrative control
and supervision over it. The bureaus are divided into as many divisions as needed.

4. Local Government Units (LGUs) - They play a significant role in the implementation of
housing regulations at the local level. They are responsible for preventing the
construction of illegal dwelling units or structures within their respective localities.

5. National Housing Authority (NHA) - It is responsible for implementing a comprehensive

and integrated housing program which includes, among other things, the planning and
regulation of housing development in the country.

6. Home Insurance Guaranty Corporation - This body designs an appropriate guarantee

scheme to encourage financial institutions to go into direct lending for housing "Republic
Act 7229".

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3. How do housing laws and ordinances in the Philippines address issues of affordability,
sustainability, and inclusivity in housing development?

The Urban Development and Housing Act (RA 7279) in the Philippines is a comprehensive
and ongoing urban development and housing program. Here are some more details about the act:

1. Affordability: The Act provides support services such as land surveys and titling at
minimal cost. It also liberalizes terms on credit facilities and housing loans and provides
tax deductions for homebuyers. A Community Mortgage Program assists legally
organized associations of underprivileged and homeless citizens to purchase and develop
land under the concept of community ownership.

2. Sustainability: The Act encourages the promotion of indigenous, alternative, and low-
cost construction materials and technologies for socialized housing. It ensures that urban
activities are planned and regulated for the conservation and protection of vital
ecosystems, scenic landscapes, cultural sites, and other similar resource areas.

3. Inclusivity: The Act includes provisions for urban renewal and resettlement, focusing on
on-site development to ensure minimum movement of occupants of blighted lands and
slum areas. It discourages eviction and demolition except in cases where persons or
entities occupy danger areas or when there is a court order for eviction and demolition.

4. Relocation and Resettlement: The local government units, in coordination with the
National Housing Authority, are responsible for implementing the relocation and
resettlement of persons living in danger areas such as esteros, railroad tracks, garbage
dumps, riverbanks, shorelines, waterways, and in other public places such as sidewalks,
roads, parks, and playgrounds.

5. Community Mortgage Program: This is a mortgage financing program of the National

Home Mortgage Finance Corporation which assists legally organized associations of
underprivileged and homeless citizens to purchase and develop a tract of land under the
concept of community ownership.

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 6. Promotion of Indigenous Housing Materials and Technologies: The local government
units, in cooperation with the National Housing Authority, Technology and Livelihood
Resource Center, and other concerned agencies, are tasked with promoting the production
and use of indigenous, alternative, and low-cost construction materials and technologies
for socialized housing.

7. Ecological Balance: The local government units coordinate with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources in taking measures that will plan and regulate urban
activities for the conservation and protection of vital, unique and sensitive ecosystems,
scenic landscapes, cultural sites, and other similar resource areas.

8. Funding: Funds for the urban development and housing program come from various
sources including a minimum of fifty percent (50%) from the annual net income of the
Public Estate Authority, proceeds from the disposition of ill-gotten wealth, loans, grants,
bequests and donations, and proceeds from the social housing tax.

4. As an Architecture Student, what lessons can be learned from the analysis of housing laws and
ordinances in the Philippine context, and what recommendations can be made for improving
housing regulation and policy-making in the future?

As an architecture student delving into the realm of housing laws and ordinances in the
Philippine context, I've gleaned numerous invaluable lessons and insights that inform both my
understanding of regulatory frameworks and my approach to future architectural practice. By
studying these laws and ordinances, I've developed a comprehensive understanding of the
intricate web of regulations governing housing development in our country. This knowledge
serves as a cornerstone for ensuring compliance with legal requirements in my architectural
endeavors. Moreover, delving into the analysis of housing laws has illuminated the multifaceted
challenges confronting communities in their quest for adequate and affordable housing. From
grappling with issues such as informal settlements and land tenure insecurity to contending with
urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure, I've come to recognize the complexity and urgency
of addressing these challenges. Crucially, I've learned that effective housing regulation and

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policy-making necessitate active participation and engagement with local communities. By
involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, we can ensure that housing policies truly
reflect the needs and aspirations of the people they aim to serve. Additionally, I've gained an
appreciation for the pivotal role that housing laws play in promoting sustainable development
practices, advocating for affordable housing, enhancing urban planning, streamlining
bureaucratic processes, and preserving cultural heritage. In conclusion, my analysis of housing
laws and ordinances has equipped me with the knowledge, insights, and opportunities to
advocate for positive change and contribute to shaping a more equitable and resilient built
environment in the Philippines. Through active engagement with housing issues and the
promotion of sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven approaches, I am committed to
playing my part in fostering a brighter future for all.

B. RAPHICAL / TABULATED PRESENTATION

1. Comparative Analysis (Building Laws) for IRR of PD 1096, BP 344, and RA 9514.
2. Comparative Analysis (Housing Laws) for BP 220 (ECONOMIC and SOCIALIZED
HOUSING) and PD 957 (OPEN MARKET HOUSING)

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Reference

Course Hero. (n.d.). Organizational Network of Philippine Government Agencies. Retrieved

April 14, 2024, from https://www.coursehero.com/file/92006651/ORGANIZATIONAL-
NETWORK-OF-PHILIPPINE-GOVERNMENT-AGENCIES-Ablespdf/

Task Group Bantay. (n.d.). Republic Act 7229. Retrieved April 14, 2024,
from http://taskgroupbantay.weebly.com/republic-act-7229.html

RA 7279 – Urban Development and Housing Act. (n.d.). Real Appraisal. Retrieved April 14,
2024, from https://appraiserph.com/ra-7279-urban-development-and-housing-act/

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