The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is taking a proactive approach to address the concerns of homeowners’ associations (HOAs), in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to pursue people-centered programs.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the initiative forms part of the department’s open door policy aimed at engaging all housing stakeholders, particularly homeowners, and recognizing the critical role of HOAs in community and nation-building.

“Dapat maging proactive tayo. Bumaba tayo sa mga komunidad upang tulungan ang mga HOAs bilang partners natin. Malaki ang papel nila sa nation-building dahil sila ang nasa frontline sa ating mga komunidad," Secretary Aliling said.

"Through proper information and education, we can encourage HOAs to take an active role to improve their community. Ito'y alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa pagsusulong people-centric programs," he added.

Aliling stressed that well-informed and organized HOAs are better positioned to serve as effective partners of the government.

"Mahalaga na malaman ng mga HOAs at kanilang mga miyembro ang mga polisiya at guidelines mula mismo sa DHSUD upang malinaw sa kanila ang ating mga regulasyon, at maiwasan ang mga problema at mas maging productive organizations," he said.

The DHSUD chief directed Undersecretary Roman Nicholo Molina and Homeowners Associations and Community Development Bureau (HOACDB) Director Ling Rigor to revisit existing policies and guidelines governing HOAs and explore ways to further improve them.

There are currently more than 26,000 registered HOAs and neighborhood associations nationwide. Common concerns raised by these groups include issues related to the election and terms of officers, as well as the collection of association fees.

Undersecretary Molina said the department is committed to strengthening engagement with HOAs at the grassroots level to ensure they are well-informed of regulations and are able to contribute to policy formulation.

“Malaking bagay po na well-educated ang ating mga stakeholders lalo na ang mga HOAs upang maiwasan ang mga sigalot at problema. Dapat klaro para sa lahat ang ating mga polisiya,” Molina said.

Open door policy

Aliling said the DHSUD will continue to uphold its open door policy to sustain dialogue with housing stakeholders and gather recommendations to improve and harmonize housing programs and policies, particularly with the private sector.

The secretary has previously met with top developers’ groups, non-government organizations involved in housing, urban poor groups, and national and local government officials.

"Mananatili pong bukas ang pintuan ng DHSUD para sa lahat ng stakeholders upang mapagtulungan natin ang paghahatid ng disente, ligtas at abot kayang pabahay para sa mas may dignidad na pamumuhay sa mas maraming pamilyang Pilipino," Aliling said.