SHDA Advances 7-Point Resolutions for More Responsive Housing Sector at 34th National Developers Convention

Bringing together over 400 stakeholders, including national policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and industry leaders from September 16 to 17, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) concluded its 34th National Developers Convention at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Anchored on the theme "Elevate: Sustaining Progress through Collaboration and Strategic Housing Innovations," the two-day summit wrapped up with the adoption of a strategic 7-point resolution roadmap to accelerate housing delivery and foster a more responsive housing sector.

Formally presented by SHDA Corporate Secretary Atty. Mena R. Ojeda Jr., the Convention Resolutions outline key industry commitments: 1) sustaining engagement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD); 2) strengthening ease of doing business and participation in Technical Working Groups for the Joint Memorandum Circular involving 15 agencies on housing permitting and licensing; 3) supporting digitization of government-to-government processes and land-titling computerization; 4) strengthening housing taxation efforts, including review of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) and land valuation; 5) enhancing collaboration for affordable and sustainable housing; 6) maximizing economic corridor opportunities alongside solid waste management, water, electricity, and connectivity requirements; and 7) pursuing new and innovative housing developments and interventions responsive to shifting social, economic, demographics, and housing preferences and demand.

These priorities reflected the convention’s discussions. Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog, Senior Economist at CRC Foundation Inc. and Associate Professor at the University of Asia & the Pacific, delivered a status report on the Collaborative Philippine Housing Roadmap 2025–2040, citing progress in streamlining developer permitting standards, with a mandatory 15-day service-level agreement for License to Sell approvals, zero-backlog initiative across regional offices, and 100% digital tracking for development permits, alongside other roadmap goals still underway. Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Atty. Larry Barcelo discussed tax issuances and compliance requirements; Philippine Institute for Development Studies Vice President Dr. Marife Ballesteros examined housing affordability; and Colliers Philippines Research Director Joey Bondoc provided an outlook on the country’s property market beyond 2026.

An update from Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Deputy Director General for Operations, Undersecretary Dr. Lea Grace Salcedo, covered the presentation of JMC No. 1, s. 2026 under the National Effort for Harmonization of Efficient Measures of Inter-related Agencies (NEHEMIA) initiative, aimed at streamlining housing processes and supporting an electronic housing one-stop shop. Sessions also covered land acquisition and conversion, digital government services, 4PH project processes, and eNotarization, alongside discussions on the Luzon Economic Corridor, waste management, circular economy practices, and electricity solutions for communities.

Day 2 focused on market trends, design, and innovation. Philippine Survey Research Center Research Director Andrea Dizon shared findings showing that 61% of Filipinos who plan to purchase a house within the next 3 years prefer to live just outside the city. Location and accessibility remain top considerations, with 78% citing opportunity, while 57% prefer to live within 30 minutes' distance from family. The findings highlighted a primary home with location connected to the city corridor, accessible, in close proximity to family, and better space as factors shaping housing choices across generations.

Jacinto C. Ng Jr., Founder and Group Executive Officer of Joy~Nostalg Group | Raemulan Lands Inc., spoke on how synergy and enterprise can transform lives through NING*NING, creating the world’s first grid-connected, utility-scale solar rooftop installation integrated into a socialized housing community. Globe Telecom Vice President Abigail Cardino highlighted connectivity in modern homes and communities, while GIGIL Founding Partner Badong Abesamis and Plus 63 Co-Founder Dan Matutina explored creative strategy, design thinking, and connecting with the modern generation of homebuyers.

Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Enrique Manuel shared lessons from three decades of developing Bonifacio Global City, highlighting long-term planning, infrastructure, estate management, and the district’s next phase of smart-city, mobility, and sustainability initiatives. PGAA Creative Design Principal Architect Paulo Alcazaren traced the evolution of Philippine subdivision planning and examined more walkable, sustainable communities with greater emphasis on public spaces.

SHDA Chairman Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas emphasized that the convention's value extends beyond the discussions held during the two-day event. “A convention is only as good as what happens after it ends. These resolutions give our members, and the agencies we work with, something concrete to hold each other to,” he said.

Assistant Corporate Secretary and Convention Overall Chairperson Clarissa de Joya highlighted, “What stood out this year wasn't just how many agencies showed up; it was how specific their commitments were, from permitting reforms to a formal review of the property valuation law, while also bringing new perspectives on shifting consumer behavior. That clarity is what will actually move things for the housing community.”

National President Kerwin Padua likewise emphasized the importance of continuing the work initiated during the convention. “Two days of dialogue mean nothing if we don’t act on them. These resolutions are how we make sure this convention outlasts the days it happened in,” he said.

SHDA reaffirmed its commitment to continue collaborating with DHSUD and key government partners, with the Convention Resolutions serving as a guide for public- and private-sector stakeholders in shaping policy and program directions affecting housing development and delivery.

For more information on SHDA membership, initiatives, and advocacy, visit shda.ph or contact the SHDA Secretariat at shda.secretariat@gmail.com.

SHDA’s 34th National Developers Convention to Tackle Housing Sector’s Shifting Landscape

Manila, Philippines — As changing homebuyer preferences and shifting policy frameworks continue to shape the Philippine housing industry, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) will convene developers, policymakers, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders for its 34th National Developers Convention on September 16–17, 2026, at Marquis Events Place, BGC, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, to exchange strategic insights, discuss policy developments, and explore collaborative solutions for the sector.

Carrying the theme "Elevate: Sustaining Progress through Collaboration and Strategic Housing Innovations," this year's convention comes as the housing sector adapts to prevailing market conditions and an active regulatory environment.

"The housing sector has never operated in a vacuum. Regulations shift, market conditions change, and developers have to keep up. That's exactly what the convention is for. We come together, we share what we know, and we figure out the next steps as an industry," said Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas, SHDA Chairman of the Board.

The Philippine housing market is moving through a period of significant change. Demand is expanding beyond Metro Manila as infrastructure improvements open up emerging growth areas across the country, driven largely by first-time buyers and young families in the economic and affordable housing segments, thus increasing residential demand in suburban townships. At the same time, the market is becoming more selective amid evolving conditions.

Alongside these market movements, the regulatory environment continues to respond. Recent policy adjustments, including updated socialized housing price ceilings, reflect ongoing efforts to align housing policy with ground realities. For developers, staying current with these changes is key to implementing projects effectively.

"Change in the housing industry is constant, but our mission has never wavered," said Mr. Kerwin Padua, SHDA National President. "At the end of the day, everything we do is for Filipino families who want a home they can call their own. The landscape keeps shifting, but the goal of homeownership will stay. Through the convention, we want to make sure our members, affiliates, and partners are updated on market behavior and demand. Given these, developers will be able to provide affordable homes that will address their needs."

This year's program will feature sessions on key regulatory updates, household composition and homebuyer trends, and strategic housing innovations.

Now in its 34th year, the National Developers Convention remains one of the country's premier gatherings for the housing and real estate development sector, providing a platform to exchange knowledge and cultivate meaningful connections.

Join this year's SHDA National Developers Convention and participate in discussions on emerging trends, policy reforms, and strategic innovations. For registration details, visit shda.ph/natcon-2026/, email shda.secretariat@gmail.com, or call (632) 8893-4328, (632) 8856-1554, or (632) 8721-8188.

Exhibitors Report High-Quality Engagement as SMEs Seek Solutions at the 17th PHILSME Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition

Pasay City, Philippines — The 17th Philippine SME Business Expo and Conference (PHILSME) Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition, held November 28–29 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, drew 10,000 visitors, connecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with 180 brands offering business tools, technologies, franchise models, and growth solutions.

PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla led the event and shared:
“PHILSME is built for SMEs—to help them find solutions, partners, and opportunities that move them forward. The quality of engagement at the 17th edition reflects how intentional entrepreneurs have become in choosing the right tools for growth.”

Delivering the keynote address, DTI Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan highlighted the scale of the enterprise sector: “MSMEs constitute nearly all business establishments in the country, with over 99% of registered enterprises belonging to the micro, small, and medium-enterprise category.”

A strong lineup of business mentors and industry practitioners led learning sessions throughout the event, including Francis Kong, Dean Pax Lapid, Jonathan Yabut, Myrna ‘Mommy Negosyo’ Natividad, Reymond ‘Boss RDR’ Delos Reyes, Kimberly ‘Kimilu’ Lu, and Kween Yasmin. Corporate leaders also shared essential perspectives, including Norman Cloyd B. Sebastian, Vice President, Sales Distribution Department – Marketing Division, Toyota Motor Philippines, who discussed SME mobility and operational scaling, and Joseph Jerome Francia, First Vice President and Head of Operations, GMA International, who headed the GMA Pinoy TV panel “From Overseas to Own Business: Empowering OFWs to Become Entrepreneurs,” providing practical views on transitioning from overseas employment into business ownership.

Two PHILSME community events also took place during the expo: the PHILSME Business Network New Members Awarding Ceremony and a focused Networking Night attended by PHILSME Network members, exhibitors, and sponsors.

Exhibitors reported that the 17th edition delivered exceptionally deep engagement, with SMEs taking time to analyze solution fit, explore implementation steps, and initiate early-stage partnership discussions. Many described this expo as one of the strongest PHILSME editions in terms of visitor preparedness and seriousness.

Supported by 19 sponsors, including Toyota Motor Philippines as Diamond Sponsor and Platinum Sponsors GCash for Business, Taho Story, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, Benchmark, and Canva, the expo registered strong business activity across sectors.

Momentum from the 17th edition has led many exhibitors to begin reserving their space for the 18th PHILSME on May 22–23, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Companies looking to tap into this demand and meet their revenue targets can secure exhibition slots at philsme.com/exhibit. To explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities, visit philsme.com.

SHDA Pushes for Recalibrated, People-Centered, and Inclusive Housing Strategies at the 33rd National Developers Convention

Manila, Philippines – As the Philippines observed the National Shelter Month in October, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) advanced a recalibrated, people-centered approach to housing, supported the expansion of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), and adopted convention resolutions during the 33rd SHDA National Developers Convention held on October 9–10, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Themed “Recalibrate: Upgrading Housing Strategies for a Better Tomorrow,” the event underscored the private sector’s crucial role in creating inclusive and sustainable communities in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

The two-day convention gathered over 400 key stakeholders, from the government sector, real estate developers, financial institutions, and policy experts, to refine strategies for delivering affordable, inclusive, and resilient homes under the 4PH program. Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Vice President Dr. Marife Ballesteros shared insights on demographic shifts and housing trends. At the same time, Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Ms. Marilene Acosta provided updates on financing and programs that directly support 4PH’s nationwide rollout.

SHDA National President Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas emphasized that collaborative reforms are key to achieving the administration’s housing goals. “Through the 4PH program, we see unprecedented opportunities for developers to help deliver more homes, more efficiently, and with greater social impact,” he shared.

SHDA 2025 National Convention Chairperson Ms. Renelyn Tan-Castillejos highlighted the importance of synergy and of bringing together key stakeholders to address the country's housing needs. “The role that the real estate sector plays in nation building is vital not only through the construction of homes but more importantly in the creation of safe and livable communities using sustainable technologies,” she said.

The panel discussions centered on policy reforms aligned with DHSUD’s 8-Point Housing Agenda, particularly advancing the government’s flagship 4PH initiative, highlighting the importance of community when building housing developments, and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in development projects.
The government echoed the call for stronger collaboration. In her keynote message, DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Atty. Sharon Faith Paquiz emphasized, “Collaboration allows us to continuously enhance our programs and initiatives for the Philippine housing sector. Moving forward, let us inspire more partnerships, with the public and private sectors working hand in hand to build a future where every Filipino has access to safe, affordable, and resilient housing through our united efforts.”

Among the highlights of this year’s convention were the panel on women leaders in real estate and the pivotal role of developers in advancing the ESG agenda. Speakers and panelists emphasized that people-centered and inclusive leadership is essential to driving transformation in the housing sector, from policymaking to on-the-ground development practices. As the housing sector embraces global best practices, SHDA urged the industry to strengthen collaboration in building climate-resilient, livable, and inclusive communities. Discussions also explored how ESG integration could drive long-term value creation while balancing sustainability and affordability for Filipino homebuyers.

The convention also reaffirmed SHDA’s policy priorities under its “Essential Few” agenda, which continues to guide the association’s housing reform advocacy. These priorities include the expansion of the 4PH program, calling for the continued rollout of the administration’s flagship housing initiative through stronger public-private collaboration; streamlined permits and one-stop shops to digitalize and simplify permitting processes; and institutionalized housing incentives that encourage more developers to participate in affordable housing production. These priorities aim to modernize systems, lower costs, and accelerate housing delivery, ensuring that more Filipino families can access affordable and sustainable homes.

The convention also emphasized the power of cross-industry partnerships to reduce production costs, unlock financing innovation, and improve housing accessibility. To further drive housing innovation, SHDA underscored that private developers play a vital role in aligning national goals with practical, scalable, and community-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of Filipino families.

In his message, SHDA National Chairman Ar. Leonardo Dayao Jr. highlighted the importance of fostering empathy and sustainability in policy direction. “Our focus on people-centered development ensures that housing reform is not only about infrastructure but also about building communities that uplift the quality of life,” he said.

SHDA Corporate Secretary Atty. Marianne Lina-Cruz underscored the role of the convention resolutions in reinforcing private-public synergy, saying, “These resolutions reflect the shared vision of government and industry partners to make sustainable housing accessible to every Filipino family.”

The 33rd SHDA-DHSUD National Developers Convention was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners including Citihomes Builder and Development, Inc. (CBDI), 8990 Housing Development Corporation, Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF), SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Republic Cement and Services Inc., PCON International Corp (EcoBloc), Amaia Land Corporation, Avida Land Corporation, Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) Housing Loan, Banco De Oro (BDO), Dutch Boy (Boysen), Community Property Managers Group Inc., Davies Paints Philippines Incorporated, Hocheng Philippines Corporation (HCG), Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE), Phinma Property Holdings Corporation, Property Company of Friends, Inc., Lynville Land Development Corporation, Phirst Park Homes Inc., Home Mavericks Inc., Red Oak Properties, Inc., R.J. Lhinet Development Corporation, United Steel Technology (SteelTech) International Corp., Moon Rabbit Ventures Inc. (UWI), Wee Community Developers, Inc., World Home Depot, Globe, Cadence Property Development Corporation (CPDC), Cathay Land, Inc. (South Forbes), Hellenes Land Inc., Convergence Realty and Development Corporation, Homemark, Inc., Masaito Development Corporation (MDC), Precast and Construction Solutions, P.A. Alvarez Properties, Prominence Properties, Inc., Raemulan Lands Incorporated, RCD Land Inc., RK Premier Corp., Surewell Equities Inc., and Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM).

SHDA reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to work closely with DHSUD and other key shelter agencies to fast-track housing reform and promote human-centered, sustainable communities. The association continues to lead policy dialogue and partnership-building efforts toward a housing ecosystem that empowers Filipino families and supports inclusive national development.

Albay Multimedia Arts Convention Celebrates its 6th Edition: A Powerhouse Event for Creativity in South Luzon

LEGASPI, Albay – The Albay Multimedia Arts Convention, a pioneering event that has been nurturing the grassroots creative community of the Bicol Region since its inception in 2016, is proud to announce its 6^th edition. Set to be the most monumental iteration yet, this year's convention will be held on September 2-3 at Ayala Malls Legazpi, a venue celebrated for its unwavering support of the creative community.

What began as a modest gathering with a few dozen attendees in 2016 has seen exponential growth year after year. From hundreds to thousands and now tens of thousands of attendees, the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention has established itself as the largest event celebrating creativity in South Luzon.

This year's theme, "Palette of Inclusion: Celebrating Diversity in the Creative Industry", not only underscores the rich tapestry of artistic talent within the region but also emphasizes the integral role that diversity plays in the broader creative landscape. As the convention continues to grow, so does its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all artists and creators.

One of the convention's primary missions is the continuous organization of community events aimed at honing the skills of aspiring artists. These events serve as a foundation, ensuring that emerging talent is well-equipped to be competitive in the ever-evolving creative industry, whether their passion lies in art, design, or any other creative discipline.

The significant contributions of the Bicol Region's creative community, particularly through events like the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention, have been pivotal in the recent adoption of the Philippine Creative Industry Development Act (RA 11904). This newly enacted law recognizes and promotes the immense potential of the creative sector within the Philippines, with the Bicol Region standing as a testament to the nation's artistic prowess.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the event's sponsors and partner communities, all of whom have played an instrumental role in the convention's growth and success over the years.

As the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention looks forward to its 6^th edition, it remains steadfast in its dedication to cultivating the next generation of creative professionals in the Philippines and beyond.

For more information about the Albay Multimedia Arts Convention 2023, including side events, programming, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit amac.ph or send an e-mail to support@amac.ph