Published
By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
The Subdivision and Housing Development Association (SHDA) said it
would press its request for the inclusion of housing units costing up to
P3 million in Metro Manila and above P2 million outside Metro Manila to
be eligible for tax incentives and as priority sector under the TRABAHO
(Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities) Bill.
This is among the points raised in Resolution No. 01 Series
of 2018 of the 27th National Developers Convention held recently that
identified issues to achieve the vision of the National Housing Program
or BALAI 2028, which calls for building adequate, livable, affordable
and inclusive Filipino communities.
Since Board of Investments (BOI) incentives for low-cost mass
housing are essential to provide affordable housing, SHDA shall
continuously lobby for the inclusion of the mass housing in the
Strategic Investment Priorities Plan under the TRABAHO Bill. SHDA shall
continue its efforts to include in the BOI Investment Priorities Plan
the low-cost housing up to P3 million within Metro Manila and above P2
million to P3 million outside Metro Manila,” the Resolution stated.
Given the government’s massive “Build, Build, Build” Program, SHDA
said that the housing industry’s requirements should be included in the
Construction Industry Roadmap.
SHDA said it will pursue a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of
Internal Revenue and the BOI to facilitate the issuance of BIR ruling
on income tax availment.
Developers also said they have to work the Credit Information Systems
Act to come up with a reliable, comprehensive and centralized credit
rating facility with the end result of reducing interest rates and
collateral requirements for housing loans.
Another issue raised in the Resolution is on reforms to make
land conversion processes easier because production of housing depends
on the availability of developable lands.
Housing developers have also urged the government to prioritize the
implementation of Easte of Doing Business Act given the strong market
interest from foreign investors.
Developers are also encouraged to adopt in their project development renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) was also identified
for financial support to local cooperatives to enhance their services
and sustain distribution of energy in the countryside.
SHDA, through its member developers, shall collaborate with the local
government units in crafting their respective urban development
masterplan.
Developers were also urged to consider Local Shelter Plans in
understanding local housing need and affordability in planning their
future housing projects.
Since climate change is not a myth but a reality, developers are also
urged to adapt GREEN buildings which are also cost effective.
Planning of City Extensions should also be integrated in the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan of cities and municipalities which will
address unplanned urban sprawl to prevent wasteful use of urban land,
bad roads system as well as sewage, drainage and flood control
requirements.
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