03/03/2025
Republic Act No. 7279
Title: Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992
Enacted: March 24, 1992
RA 7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), was enacted to address urban land reform and housing for underprivileged and homeless Filipinos. The law aims to provide affordable housing, regulate land use, and prevent the forced eviction of informal settlers.
Key Provisions of RA 7279
1. Urban Development and Housing Program
Promotes equitable land access and sustainable urban development.
Prioritizes socialized housing for the homeless and low-income families.
2. Land Acquisition and Disposition
Identifies lands for socialized housing, including government-owned land, abandoned land, and privately owned land (subject to expropriation).
Expropriation is allowed only if no government or idle lands are available.
3. Balanced Housing Requirement
Subdivision developers must allocate 20% of their project’s area or cost for socialized housing.
Aimed to integrate low-income housing with private real estate developments.
(This was later amended by RA 10884, exempting condominium projects and offering alternative compliance options).
4. Eviction and Relocation of Informal Settlers
Demolition and eviction are prohibited unless:
✅ The area is dangerous (e.g., riverbanks, dumpsites).
✅ The occupants refuse to vacate despite a court order.
✅ The area will be used for a government infrastructure project.
Proper notice, consultation, and relocation must be provided before eviction.
5. Role of Local Government Units (LGUs)
LGUs must:
✅ Identify land for socialized housing.
✅ Implement housing programs.
✅ Provide basic services (water, electricity, drainage, waste management).
6. Financing and Incentives for Housing Programs
Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and Pag-IBIG Fund provide financing for low-income families.
Private developers who engage in socialized housing receive tax incentives and exemptions.
Significance of RA 7279
✔ Ensures affordable housing for low-income families.
✔ Regulates eviction and relocation to protect informal settlers.
✔ Encourages private sector participation in socialized housing.
✔ Promotes sustainable urban development.
Over the years, the law has been amended to improve its implementation and address housing issues. The key amendments are:
1. Republic Act No. 10884 (2016) – Balanced Housing Program Amendment
📌 Key Changes:
✅ Removed the 20% balanced housing compliance requirement for condominium developers.
✅ Expanded options for subdivision developers to comply with balanced housing requirements.
Before RA 10884:
Subdivision and condominium developers were required to allocate 20% of their total project cost or area for socialized housing within the same development.
This made compliance difficult for condominium projects in urban areas where land was expensive.
After RA 10884:
Condominium developers are exempt from the 20% socialized housing requirement.
Subdivision developers can now comply with socialized housing obligations through alternative means, such as:
Building socialized housing off-site (in another location).
Engaging in joint ventures with other developers.
Providing financial assistance to socialized housing projects.
Donating land for socialized housing.
✅ Impact:
Encouraged more private sector participation in real estate development.
Helped decongest urban areas by allowing socialized housing in more affordable locations.
Increased flexibility in meeting housing needs.
2. Republic Act No. 11201 (2019) – Creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)
📌 Key Changes:
✅ Established the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) as the main government agency for housing and urban planning.
✅ Merged the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) under the DHSUD.
✅ Strengthened the government’s ability to implement housing programs and regulate urban development.
Before RA 11201:
Housing policies were fragmented, with multiple agencies handling different aspects:
HUDCC handled overall housing policies.
HLURB regulated land use and housing development.
Various housing agencies (NHA, SHFC, Pag-IBIG, etc.) operated separately.
After RA 11201:
DHSUD became the central authority for housing, urban planning, and resettlement.
Ensured better coordination among housing agencies like NHA, SHFC, and Pag-IBIG.
Improved housing production and urban planning nationwide.
✅ Impact:
More efficient housing policies and implementation.
Stronger government intervention in housing and urban development.
Better access to affordable housing for Filipinos.
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