SHDA Lays Foundation for Unified Housing Roadmap for 2025-2024 at the 32nd National Developers Convention in Davao City

Philippines, October 2024 – The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), concluded its 32nd National Developers Convention on October 10-11, 2024, in Davao City. Themed "Puy-Anan Para Sa Tanan: Collaborating Towards a Unified Housing Roadmap," the event marked a significant milestone with the adoption of key resolutions to advance the country’s housing and urban development through a unified housing roadmap.

The convention brought together over 380 policymakers, developers, and stakeholders to address the pressing housing needs of Filipinos. DHSUD Undersecretaries Atty. Garry V. De Guzman and Ar. Henry L. Yap provided updates on public housing programs, while Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta highlighted the crucial role of financing in addressing the housing gap for low- and middle-income families.

A key outcome of the convention was the adoption of a resolution to craft the Unified Philippine Housing Roadmap for 2025-2040. Led by SHDA and developed in collaboration with key shelter agencies, LGUs, housing organizations, and private developers, the roadmap seeks to align efforts across the housing sector to tackle the country’s housing backlog and promote sustainable urban development. It also supports the government’s 4PH Program, providing a strategic framework for long-term housing initiatives.

Central to the roadmap is the goal of streamlining permitting and licensing processes for housing projects. SHDA advocates for simplifying these procedures by partnering with DHSUD, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other government bodies to digitize processes, reduce delays, and improve the ease of doing business for developers, ensuring faster project approvals.

SHDA Chairman Ar. Leonardo Dayao Jr. said, “The adoption of a unified housing roadmap is a critical step toward addressing our nation’s housing challenges. By working closely with government agencies and private developers, we aim to turn this vision into reality and ensure affordable housing for all Filipinos.”

The convention also underscored the need for sustainable and innovative financing solutions to support housing sector growth, particularly through flexible mortgage products and partnerships with financial institutions to offer expanded financing options for low- and middle-income homebuyers.

SHDA further highlighted its commitment to promoting green and sustainable design practices, encouraging public and private developers to integrate environmentally responsible solutions into housing projects as part of its long-term vision for sustainable development.

In support of the Tatak Pinoy initiative, SHDA is also advocating for the use of locally sourced and eco-friendly materials in housing construction, as well as locally manufactured home products to support domestic businesses. By fostering partnerships with allied industries, SHDA aims to ensure the delivery of high-quality, sustainable housing projects that contribute to the country’s economic and environmental goals.

The convention also featured a critical discussion on sustainability in the housing and construction sectors, highlighting that 40% of global carbon emissions come from these industries. Speakers, including Ces Oreña-Drilon, underscored the urgent need to adopt greener materials like bamboo and implement eco-friendly construction practices to reduce the industry’s harmful impact on the environment.

Mindanao’s potential as a key real estate growth area and investment destination was another focal point of the convention. SHDA is collaborating with LGUs in emerging growth areas such as Tagum, Island Garden City of Samal, and General Santos to promote housing projects and infrastructure development, positioning the region as a booming real estate market.

Engr. Kenneth Yap, President of SHDA's South Mindanao chapter, and Ar. Kristin Yu, Governor of the same chapter, emphasized the region's commitment to sustainable housing practices. "Mindanao has tremendous potential for growth, and we are committed to leading the way by incorporating sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices in our housing projects," they said.

The resolutions and strategies adopted during the convention reaffirm SHDA’s commitment to addressing the country’s housing challenges. Through the Unified Philippine Housing Roadmap and initiatives such as streamlining processes, fostering innovative financing, and promoting sustainable practices, SHDA aims to significantly reduce the housing backlog and ensure that quality homes are accessible to every Filipino.

Atty. Joy Manaog, SHDA National President, concluded, “The data, insights, and trends presented at the convention will enhance our current framework, policies, and programs, enabling us to advance housing development across the country and meet the growing demand for sustainable, affordable homes.”

The 32nd SHDA-DHSUD National Developers Convention was sponsored and supported by, 8990 Holdings Inc., SM Development Corporation, Citihomes Builder and Development, Inc., Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF), BDO Unibank, Inc., Raemulan Lands Incorporated, Fino Property Ventures, Inc., Alsons Development and Investment Corporation, Davies Paints Philippines Incorporated, Moon Rabbit Ventures Inc. (UWI), China Banking Corporation, SolarNRG, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corp., PHirst Park Homes Inc., Wee Community Developers Inc., PHINMA Property Holdings Corp., Convergence Realty and Devt. Corp. (Bel Air Villas), C-5 Mansion Development Corp., Lynville Land Development Corp., R.J. Lhinet Development Corporation, Vista Land and, Lifescapes Inc., Prominence Properties, Inc., Property Company of Friends, Inc., (Profriends), Pueblo De Oro, PHINMA Construction Materials Group, RK Premier, Corp., United Steel Technology Intl. Corp. (Steeltech Colored Roofing), Pacific, Paint Philippines Inc (Dutch Boy), KER Systems and Solutions Corp., Philippine, Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE), World Home Depot, Stronghold Insurance Company Inc., Creative Ventures Travel & Tours and Comuna.

Vivo V40 Lite: The Perfect Phone for Filipinos Seeking Performance and Value

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The newly launched Vivo V40 Lite, available in 4G and 5G variants, is designed with the modern Filipino in mind. Combining speed, power, and camera excellence, this smartphone offers incredible value at an affordable price starting at Php 13,999. Here’s a closer look at the top three features that make the Vivo V40 Lite a must-have for anyone looking for performance and reliability.

Top 1: 80W FlashCharge – Fastest Charging in Its Price Range

One of the standout features of the Vivo V40 Lite is its 80W FlashCharge capability, making it the fastest charging option in its category. The phone powers up from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy Filipinos who are always on the go. Imagine rushing out for work or school with a low battery—just plug it in, and within 15 minutes, your phone is charged and ready for a full day of use.

Additionally, the phone comes with an Overnight Charging Protection feature, ensuring that charging pauses to prevent overcharging once your phone reaches 80%. This helps maintain battery health over time, making the Vivo V40 Lite a durable, long-lasting investment.

Top 2: 5000mAh Battery with 4-Year Health Guarantee

The Vivo V40 Lite has a powerful 5000mAh battery, which guarantees at least 80% battery health for four years. If the battery health dips below that mark, Vivo offers a one-time free battery replacement for customers who pre-order by October 31, 2024. This feature ensures you can enjoy long-lasting performance without worrying about battery degradation. Whether you’re out on a weekend trip or capturing precious moments, the V40 Lite’s battery keeps up with your active lifestyle.

Top 3: 50MP AI Aura Light Portrait for Studio-Quality Photos

The Vivo V40 Lite’s 50MP AI Aura Light Portrait feature brings studio-quality lighting to your fingertips. With 360-degree even lighting that is 75 times softer than a standard flash, this camera guarantees beautifully lit, high-quality portraits every time. Whether you’re taking selfies with friends or capturing low-light moments, the V40 Lite ensures every shot is Instagram-worthy.

Don’t Miss Out on Exclusive Offers

Pre-order the Vivo V40 Lite by October 31, 2024, and receive a Php 1,000 discount, a free Vivo TWS 3e worth Php 1,999, and a limited-edition Vivo Care Plus VIP Card with a 50-month battery warranty. Get yours today at Vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide!

Instructure Integrates Microsoft Reflect with Canvas LMS, Expands Mental Wellness Resources Ahead of World Mental Health Day

Manila, Philippines — October 2024 — Instructure, the leading learning technology ecosystem and maker of Canvas LMS, is proud to announce a newly available complimentary integration of Microsoft Reflect into Canvas, a step designed to enhance global mental wellness support for students and educators just in time for World Mental Health Day on October 10. The integration aims to streamline social-emotional learning (SEL) within the digital classroom, through K-12 to higher education, making mental wellness resources more accessible to all Canvas users.

"Integrating Microsoft Reflect within Canvas makes it an even more powerful platform to support student learning and wellbeing,” said Elad Graiver, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft Education. “By embedding SEL check-ins into daily routines, schools create a space for student voice, allowing every learner to share their thoughts and feelings openly. This immediate feedback empowers educators to make timely adjustments, fostering a more supportive and engaging classroom environment.”

To further support mental wellness initiatives, Instructure recently introduced a new Mental Wellness Hub within its User Community. This collaborative online space is where 2.25 million educators and learners connect to share and enhance the learning experience. The Wellness Hub serves as a central resource, offering best practices, professional development, and a supportive forum for educators and administrators to discuss strategies for promoting mental health in educational settings.

“At Instructure, we believe mental wellness is foundational to successful learning,” said Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure. “We’re committed to supporting the whole learner by providing tools and resources that foster emotional well-being and create a positive, supportive environment for both students and educators. When mental health is prioritized, meaningful learning and growth can truly thrive.”

Instructure’s focus on mental health reflects a broader trend in education: the increasing need to address students' and educators’ emotional well-being as a key component of academic success. In a survey by Student Minds, 57 percent of university student respondents self-reported a mental health issue, with 27 percent reporting they had a diagnosed mental health condition and 30 percent of students reported their mental health had declined since starting university. This data indicates that making accessible mental wellness tools is more essential than ever.

The integration and new Hub will be spotlighted on Instructure’s social channels throughout October, featuring tips, resources, and podcasts to help educators use these tools effectively. World Mental Health Day reminds us of the importance of fostering healthy, supportive learning environments, and Instructure is dedicated to providing its community with the resources it needs to make mental health a priority – today and every day.

For more information, visit Microsoft Reflect and the Canvas LMS website.

PLDT, Smart Ready to Assist Communities in the Path of Kristine

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are ready to extend assistance to communities that will be affected by Tropical Depression Kristine. They have prepositioned personnel, equipment, and resources to ensure the resilience of network services, and are prepared to work closely with local government units, provincial and municipal information agencies, and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to ensure continuous connectivity.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Depression Kristine was last located 1,050 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon as of 5:00 AM today. The storm is expected to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours and may reach severe tropical storm or typhoon category before making landfall over the northeastern portion of Cagayan.

PLDT and Smart urge everyone in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and follow the advice of local authorities. The companies will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

WORK in AUSTRIA goes to Geeks On A Beach in the Philippines

Vienna, [October 2024]—WORK in AUSTRIA, a department of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), will participate in the Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) conference in Cebu, Philippines. The conference will provide detailed information about the career landscape in Austria and showcase the comprehensive range of free services available to skilled workers on their path to employment in Austria.

“Austria offers international skilled workers new perspectives and exciting career opportunities in the heart of Europe. Thanks to its stable economy, high standard of living, and attractive working conditions, Austria is one of the most sought-after labor markets in Europe,” said Raphael Rey Bacolod, Director of Indonesia and Philippines, WORK in AUSTRIA.

Geeks On A Beach is the Philippines’ premier international tech startup conference. It gathers hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and notable figures from the country’s startup ecosystem. This year’s GOAB will occur at JPark Island Resort Hotel in Mactan, Cebu. It is organized by geeksPH in collaboration with the Philippines Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

Austrian-Philippine Ties

Austria and the Philippines share a long history of collaboration, with more than 30,000 Filipinos already calling Austria home. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2023 between the two nations further solidified this close relationship. The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in recruiting and supporting vital and skilled workers from the Philippines. The Philippines is the first country to enter such an agreement with Austria.

“Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, Austria offers numerous incentives for skilled workers. With a robust economy, Austria provides a healthy work-life balance, comprehensive social security, and high-quality healthcare, all within a relatively affordable cost of living,” said Bacolod.

“For Filipino professionals, especially in IT, engineering, healthcare, and nursing sectors, Austria presents a wealth of job opportunities. As Austrian companies strive to combat the country’s growing shortage of skilled workers, they are increasingly looking to the global market to fill key positions,” added the Director of Indonesia and Philippines at WORK in AUSTRIA.

In May 2024, Austria and the Philippines celebrated Philippine-Austrian Friendship Week with events organized by the Philippine Embassy in Austria, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW), the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), and the ABA. These events aimed to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two countries, focusing on skilled labor.

Support on the way to Austria

WORK in AUSTRIA, part of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), offers free services designed to help skilled workers transition smoothly into their new roles in Austria. Additionally, the Philippines recently opened a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Vienna to provide on-the-ground support for Filipinos already working in Austria or planning to relocate.

WORK in AUSTRIA’s support services include free counseling on living and working in Austria, job search assistance through platforms like the new ‘Talent Hub,’ help with immigration procedures for individuals and their families, and information programs to prepare for the move to Austria.

These efforts are designed to make the transition to living and working in Austria as seamless as possible for international professionals. For more information on living and working in Austria, visit www.workinaustria.com.