DHSUD to build climate-resilient housing units in 2027

MANILA, Philippines — Housing units that will be built by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in 2027 will be climate-resilient, according to Iloilo City Rep. Jam Baronda on Wednesday. 

During the deliberations of Baronda’s sponsorship of the proposed budget of the DHSUD for next year, 4K Party-list Rep. Iris Montes asked Baronda if the DHSUD has plans to construct disaster-ready homes by next year, given that the country is struck by several calamities every year. 

READ: House lawmakers back DHSUD budget hike amid 2027 NEP cuts

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“Definitely kasama na po dyan to be resilient and ready at nakabuild in na sa total cost per unit,” Baronda answered. 

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(Climate-resilient features are already built in in the total cost per unit.)

Miranda then asked for the climate-resilient features to be integrated in the housing units in which Baronda said that the houses will be built in non-flooded areas.

“Tapos proposal po sa Region 6 sa NHA [National Housing Authority] and DHSUD po nakaincorporate na dyan especially sa mga areas na declared ng Project NOAH and low-lying areas or ung critical areas kaya hinihingi na rin natin yung suporta ng DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources],” Baronda added. 

(Included in the proposal for Region 6 of the NGA and DHSUD to incorporate, especially areas declared by Project Noah and low-lying or critical areas, that’s why we are asking the support of the DENR.)

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The Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), which was defunded in 2017, was the country’s flagship disaster risk reduction and management program.

Aside from this, Miranda also pushed for solar-powered socialized housing, noting that it will lessen the energy cost of housing beneficiaries. 

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“If they can do it, maybe it’s a step towards good direction baka masama ng DHSUD in future modalities,” Miranda said. 

During the House committee on appropriations’ briefing on the proposed budget of the agency for next year, Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling asked the lawmakers to grant the agency’s request to seek more funds for their programs. 

Aliling noted that DHSUD and its attached agencies were allotted P5.498 billion under the 2027 National Expenditure Program, which fell short of P54.501 billion from what it proposed of P60 billion. 

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Several lawmakers backed the budget increase, including House panel on housing and urban development chairperson Marivic Co-Pilar, Reps. Leila de Lima, Lani Mercado, Roman Romulo, Elmer Catulpos, Rufus Rodriguez, Miro Quimbo, among others. /mr