Binay optimistic on solution to housing backlog by 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay expressed optimism that the government’s target for a zero backlog on housing will be achieved in 2013 through the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs).

Binay, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), said the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) has adopted the cluster approach to fast track the preparation of CLUPs and zoning ordinances (ZOs) of local government units (LGUs).

“CLUPs serve as guide in the rational and sustainable use of land resources. the direction towards proper use of lands will be clear through the CLUP, may it be agricultural, commerce or housing, etc.,” Binay said.

Under the cluster approach strategy, the LGUs forming the cluster will undergo four (4) planning modules to be administered by the HLURB regional offices nationwide.

“The cluster approach is a strategy of providing or extending technical planning assistance to a group of LGUs in the formulation or updating of their respective CLUPs and ZOs,” Binay said.

“It also aims to provide an interactive environment where the LGUs can compare and share experiences and ideas on land use and development planning,” Binay added.

Binay said priority assistance would be given to cities and municipalities without CLUPs and ZOs, and those whose plans are due for updating.

“The approved CLUPs should be periodically reviewed and updated to respond to changes and development trends that have implications on the land use and physical development of the city or municipality,” Binay said.

“These should also comply with national and local laws, policies, and standards, and relevant updates on planning tools, systems, and policy considerations, as well as current development trends,” Binay added.

Binay said the CLUP is the blueprint for future physical development of cities and municipalities that is mandated under the Local Government Code (RA 7160) to be adopted and enacted by the local council through a ZOs.

Out of a total of 1,635 cities and municipalities in the Philippines, there are a total of 204 LGUs without CLUPs and 928 LGUs with outdated CLUPs by 2013 or a total of 1,132 LGUs.

As of end of April 2012, there are already a total of 94 completed drafts of CLUPs and ZOs ready for review by the concerned provincial land use committees (PLUCs) or by the regional land use committee (RLUC).

The PLUC is the reviewing body of CLUPs and ZOs of component cities and municipalities while the RLUC reviews the plans of HUCs and ICCs.

Given this development and with the concerned efforts and collaboration between the HLURB and the LGUs, Binay said the HLURB’s remaining target for modular workshops for the period May to December 2012 is 792 LGUs nationwide.