DHSUD Directs Private Developers to Comply with Balanced Housing Development Program

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has ordered private real estate developers to strictly comply with the Balanced Housing Development Program (BHDP), as mandated under Republic Act 10884. Amid the agency's ongoing Zero Backlog Program, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling revealed that around 600 private development projects have been found non-compliant with the law's requirement on balanced housing over the past four years. Under RA 10884, developers are required to provide socialized housing, equivalent to at least 15 percent for subdivisions and 5 percent for condominiums, to avoid penalties and cease-and-desist orders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DHSUD has ordered private real estate developers to comply with the Balanced Housing Development Program (BHDP) as mandated under Republic Act 10884, with around 600 projects found non-compliant over the past four years.
  • Under RA 10884, developers are required to provide socialized housing, equivalent to at least 15 percent for subdivisions and 5 percent for condominiums.
  • Developers may comply through onsite construction, development of new socialized housing settlements, joint ventures, or contributions to the socialized housing fund.
  • Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to PHP500,000 for the first offense and the issuance of cease-and-desist orders (CDOs) against non-compliant developers.
  • Developers facing penalties may also face around PHP600,000 in additional costs aside from the CDOs.
  • DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling is set to meet with leaders of major real estate developer groups to reinforce awareness and cooperation in implementing the balanced housing program.
  • The Zero Backlog Program, led by DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz, has been reviewing pending and existing projects across all regional offices.

Statistics:

  • 600 private development projects found non-compliant with the law's requirement on balanced housing over the past four years.
  • Up to PHP500,000 fine for the first offense of non-compliance.
  • Developers facing penalties may also face around PHP600,000 in additional costs aside from the CDOs.
  • DHSUD has started sending orders to non-compliant developers to start complying with the law.

Sources:

  • Philippines News agency, 30 Oct 2025: "DHSUD directs developers to comply with Balanced Housing Development Program".
  • Republic Act 10884.
  • Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.