Various homeowners' associations were treated to a forum for digital inclusion last 3 to 4 October at the DHSUD Central Office Auditorium to promote digital inclusion in housing communities.

The two-day gab was organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development through its Homeowners Association and Community Development Bureau in collaboration with the Anti-Red Tape Authority.

With the theme "Digitally Connected Communities: Engaging HOAs Towards Digital Inclusion," the forum was geared at raising awareness among HOAs regarding the processing of HOA consent applications.

It likewise aimed to address challenges obstructing the nationwide expansion of digital connectivity in relation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order 32, also known as "Streamlining the Permitting Process for the Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure."

Prior to the said EO, DHSUD issued Department Order

2022-012 which provides the guidelines in processing applications for consent from HOAs for the construction and installation of telecommunication facilities and infrastructure within residential subdivisions/villages and/or residential real properties.

Held as part of the 2023 National Shelter Month celebration, the forum further served as a platform for telecommunications and tower companies to educate HOAs on the benefits of accelerating digitalization, achieved only through streamlined permitting procedures for telecommunication facilities and infrastructure.