Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has promised to immediately strengthen regulatory functions on real estate developers, practitioners, and homeowners associations.

In a news release on Wednesday, Aliling emphasized that the agency must also reinforce its regulatory role to create a stronger impact on the housing sector while implementing the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

He noted that the DHSUD was focused on the 4PH only in the past three years.

“Ang DHSUD ay isang regulatory body, pinagsisilbihan natin ang mga unit buyers, mga developers at other stakeholders (The DHSUD is a regulatory body, we serve the unit buyers, developers, and stakeholders),” he said

“So, hahabulin natin itong mga bagay na ito at bibigyan natin ng angkop na pansin (So, we will address these things and give them appropriate attention).”

Under Republic Act 11201, the DHSUD is the primary agency for housing, human settlements, and urban development.

Its responsibilities include setting and enforcing rules for subdivisions, condominiums, and similar real estate projects, as well as imposing fines and other sanctions.

The department oversees the registration, regulation, and supervision of homeowners’ associations, including the resolution of disputes.

It also monitors land use planning and ensures compliance by local governments with Comprehensive Land Use Plans and zoning ordinances, with the authority to impose penalties for violations.

On Monday, Aliling said the DHSUD will push for a streamlined, transparent, and digitized process under his leadership to ensure proper delivery of programs and services to its stakeholders. (PNA)