The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), in collaboration with other government agencies, will place “express lanes” to streamline permitting and licensing processes covering projects under the flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling on Wednesday presided over a multi-agency meeting attended by officials and representatives from various government agencies for the proposed establishment of “express lanes” for socialized housing projects.
The meeting seeks to further streamline processes and fast-track turnaround time for permit, certification and license applications for projects under PBBM’s flagship Expanded 4PH program.
“In accordance with President Marcos Jr.’s directive for swift, clean, and reliable public service, we must work together to formulate measures that will further enhance the service we provide to our fellow Filipinos,” Aliling said.
Among the agencies represented during the meeting were the Departments of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Environment and Natural Resources, Information and Communication Technology, Land Registration Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Bureau of Investments, Bureau of Internal Revenue, National Electrification Authority, Local Water Utilities Administration, National Water Resources Board and the Anti-Red Tape Authority.
Aliling suggested that concerned agencies should prioritize processes that will provide immediate impact and convenience to stakeholders, subject to existing laws and regulations of each regulatory agency.
Simplified process
“To be more strategic, let us first focus on the policies of each agency that can immediately expedite the approval of projects under the Expanded 4PH Program,” the DHSUD chief said.
“Each agency has a significant role to play in this. The President’s directive is clear: to simplify the process, because it is the people who will ultimately benefit, as this will help address the shortage in the supply of decent and affordable housing for Filipinos,” he added.
He also emphasized the need to ensure interoperability of processes across government offices through digitalization for real-time tracking and status updates.
Earlier this month, DHSUD convinced the Bureau of Internal Revenue to simplify and streamline the application for tax exemption of socialized housing projects.
“DHSUD is taking this seriously to fulfil our commitment to housing stakeholders by 2028. We have streamlined internal processes to improve the turnaround time for License to Sell issuance. We expect other agencies to cooperate with us to have a sustainable legacy in the housing industry,” Aliling emphasized.