THE sprouting of ‘shanty towns,’ particularly in urban centers, continues to spawn massive poverty, which remains an important characteristic of impoverished regions in various parts of the globe.
In the Philippines, grinding poverty, unemployment and acute shortage of housing units force millions of people to live in crammed and oven-like shanties near stinking esteros and dumpsites.
To many of these “unfortunate Filipinos” from the rural areas, who also wish to escape from the misery and squalor, renting a small room away from slum districts is even beyond their reach.
That’s why we commend the national government for crafting a “national roadmap,” which is aimed at ensuring the continuity of pro-active plans and programs in the housing sector.
Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, a retired major general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said a “housing blue print” is seen to address the housing needs of the burgeoning population.
Crafting a 20-year housing strategic plan is the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)program headed by Secretary Del Rosario, who is also President Rodrigo Duterte’s “housing czar.”
The housing roadmap will institutionalize the plans and programs crafted by the DHSUD in close collaboration with all stakeholders, particularly the country’s housing developers.
Aligned with the “AmBisyon Natin 2040” of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the “housing blueprint” is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.
We are made to believe that DHSUD’s plans and programs are focused on providing not just decent, livable and affordable housing units, but more importantly, resilient and sustainable communities.
The DHSUD deserves the support of the public for coming up with a “housing blue print” for the benefit of the Filipino people, particularly the poorest of the poor not only in the metropolis but elsewhere.
