The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a renewed call for systemic housing reform, as the Philippines confronts a growing backlog of more than 6.5 million units.

The milestone event, set for May 20, 2025, at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, underscores the association’s continued relevance in a sector facing urgent challenges.

Founded in 1970 as the Subdivision Owners Association of the Philippines, SHDA has grown into the country’s leading housing industry association. With 350 member developers and eight regional chapters, the organization has evolved alongside the sector—from catering to middle- and high-income buyers with lot-only developments to offering integrated housing solutions for all income levels.

“Our history is rooted in advocacy,” said SHDA president, Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas. “But at 55, we are not just looking back, we’re looking ahead. The housing crisis is growing, and it requires an organized, data-driven, and inclusive response. SHDA remains committed to leading that effort.”

The housing backlog—estimated at 700,000 units in 1970—has ballooned nearly tenfold due to urbanization, limited financing access, and fragmented permitting systems. SHDA continues to push for streamlined regulations, sustainable development, and broader affordability across the housing spectrum.

“When we began, it was simpler; developers worked with a centralized housing office,” said SHDA chairman Archt. Leonardo Dayao Jr. “Today, while there are multiple checkpoints, from local government approvals to zoning and environmental permits, these processes are crucial for sustainable development. However, to close the housing gap, we need streamlined systems, political will, and stronger public-private collaboration to navigate the challenges we face together.”

A major milestone in SHDA’s advocacy is the Philippine Housing Industry Roadmap 2025–2040, introduced during the 2024 National Developers Convention in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), academic institutions, and allied housing organizations. The roadmap identifies key obstacles in housing delivery and outlines long-term strategies to align with national economic goals.

“The roadmap isn’t just a wish list, it’s a plan of action,” Villegas said. “It offers practical solutions to make housing more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive, especially in the provinces. We want this to be a living document, guiding government and developers alike.”

Strengthening its regional presence, SHDA empowers local developers through its eight chapters, supports the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, and champions reforms such as the 2024 adjustment to price ceilings for socialized and low-cost housing under DHSUD-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-001.

The group is also leveraging innovation—promoting green building, indigenous materials, and artificial intelligence—to modernize construction. Study tours in Southeast Asia aim to equip local developers with global best practices.

“This anniversary is not just about longevity; it’s about leadership,” Dayao said. “SHDA has been a steady voice through every housing crisis, every economic downturn, every regulatory shift. As we look to the next 15 years, our role is to ensure that the dream of homeownership remains alive and achievable for every Filipino.”