Only DHSUD can review, approve subdivision plan revisions – DILG

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has the sole power to review and approve revisions of subdivision plans, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In Memorandum Circular (MC) 2024-113 issued on Aug. 7, the DILG clarified that although local government units (LGUs) exercise jurisdiction over the application and approval of subdivision plans, the power to approve any alteration to the plans rests on the DHSUD.

The DILG issued the memorandum to prevent any confusion among LGUs, developers and other concerned sectors.

Citing Republic Act 11201, the law that established the DHSUD in 2019, the DILG said the functions of the now-defunct Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board were transferred to the DHSUD.

Among these functions is to review alterations of subdivision plans.

Other regulatory functions vested on the agency as provided under RA 11201 include the issuance of housing project-related permits, licenses, certificates and clearances, as well as monitoring and imposing sanctions.

These functions are included in the mandate of the DHSUD’s housing and real estate development regulation bureau as well as the homeowners’ association and community development bureau.

“Processes and mechanisms related to the application for alteration of plans will be guided by the DHSUD’s department circular 2024-005 and other guidelines issued by the agency,” the DILG memorandum read.

Regional directors of the DILG were ordered to disseminate MC 2024-113 to all LGUs in their respective jurisdictions.