The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development over the weekend said it has tapped various sectors in crafting the Philippine New Urban Agenda (PNUA).

The DHSUD, through its Environmental Land Use and Urban Planning Development Bureau, in partnership with the UN-Habitat, had already consulted various sectors prior to the Philippine Urban Forum (PhUF) which will be held next month.

Representatives from the women, youth, children, urban poor, seniors, and academe/professionals sectors met to discuss issues and concerns confronting their respective sectors.

The PhUF will serve as the largest gathering to present sectoral issues and formulation of solutions that will contribute to the crafting of the PNUA.

DHSUD Undersecretary Henry Yap said the workshop aims to gather issues as well as solutions straight from its stakeholders for a people-centric and inclusive urban development plan.

During the workshop, the youth sector raised the need to increase the involvement of their group in decision-making and planning related to urban development while representatives from the child sector suggested improving programs in the establishment and promotion of safe spaces for children.

"In our pursuit of sustainable urban development, we pledge our unyielding commitment to women and their integral role in building thriving and equitable cities," Susanito Tesiorna, a representative of the Alliance of Workers in the Informal Economy/Sector and women's rights advocate, said.

Urban poor groups also called for more consultations and discussions with the government regarding its various programs.

Usec. Yap encouraged the participants to be responsive in urban development and support activities towards addressing gaps in the sectors.

"We believe that by surfacing these issues, we will be able to draw more attention from government as well as civil society groups in resolving these issues," he concluded.