Vice President Jejomar C. Binay Thursday invited Philippine architects to join in the government’s multi-sectoral approach to urban development.
“In rising to [the challenge to scatter urbanization across a wider area], the cooperation between private sector developers, the LGUs, and urban planners proves to be the road to redemption. This multi-sectoral approach should continue to be an integral component of all our policy and planning efforts,” Binay said during the 3rd Annual Convention of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP).
“Let us strengthen this cooperation by joining our heads and our skills with those from other local and international organizations that profoundly understand urban development and housing in the light of modern demands. If we all seek to move in one direction towards one vision, then let us move based on plans forged not by a few but by all who can contribute to a lasting and effective remedy,” he added.
The Vice President is the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and chairman of the board of the government’s key shelter agencies.
The housing czar said the housing sector’s The Working People’s Shelter Program applies a “more intensive public-private partnership for the creation of more sustainable communities around the country.”
“HUDCC is eager to share the details of this endeavor with all interested groups, and I urge you to examine the immense potential that this vehicle holds,” he said.
Binay also asked UAP members to use Accredited Innovative Technologies for Housing (AITECH) in the structures they design.
“AITECH is a body under the leadership of both HUDCC and the [National Housing Authority] which promotes housing technologies and design by Filipino proponents. These eco-friendly technologies are cost-effective and form a confident step towards making our architecture greener,” he said.
The Vice President cited renowned architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa&rsqiuo;s penchant for using eco-friendly materials sourced locally. Mañosa designed the Coconut Palace, which currently houses the Office of the Vice President.
Moreover,more than utilizing green technology, the housing czar also urged UAP members to develop new ones make housing even more affordable and sustainable.
“To those who shall answer this call, you can be assured that we will support developers who provide or use such solutions; and we will continue to educate communities on how these innovations are critical if we wish to secure a sustainable future,” he said.
“We share common and noble desires for the nation -- to improve the lives of our countrymen and give them firm ground on which they can build the future they seek,” he added.
Binay said that each house built was not just a roof over the heads of Filipinos, but“a sanctuary where our countrymen find not just shelter but true life.”