BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DHSUD-CAR) and the Chamber of Real Estate Brokers Association (CREBA) are exploring ways to collaborate in addressing the region’s housing backlog, particularly the implementation of socialized housing projects in Baguio and nearby towns.
CREBA Baguio-Benguet president Emmanuel Clemente said they are seeking DHSUD’s help, through the Metro Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA), to identify potential lands that private developers can use for socialized housing.
“The cost of land in Baguio is beyond what socialized housing can afford, making compliance very difficult for developers,” Clemente said during Monday’s press conference for the 2025 Shelter Month and World Habitat Day celebration.
Under current housing laws, subdivision developers must allocate at least five percent of their project area for socialized housing, while condominium developers must devote 30 percent —a requirement that becomes nearly impossible in high-cost areas like Baguio.
DHSUD-CAR Regional Director Antonette Anaban said the agency is set to meet with CREBA to find workable solutions that benefit both the private sector and the government.
According to DHSUD-CAR data, the Cordillera region has a housing backlog of around 40,000 units from 2020 to 2030, with about 16,000 of these in Baguio City.
“The private sector is contributing significantly in closing the housing gap by developing multi-story residential buildings to address limited land availability and high property costs,” Anaban said.
CREBA Board Chairman Ramon Tagle also raised concerns about safety, noting that much of Benguet is classified as a disaster-prone area, which poses added challenges for housing development. **Liza Agoot
