Vice President Jejomar C. Binay today said he envisions providing Filipino families with quality homes and communities, not just mere houses and neighborhoods.

                  “My vision for the housing sector is simple – to provide families not just with the infrastructure of a house, but the framework of a home; to build not just a neighborhood, but a real harmonious community,” he said.

                  Speaking as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) before members of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations (CREBA), Binay bared eight action plans to realize his vision.

                  He said he aims to gain the support and empower the local government units. Binay added it is important for LGUs to have an active role in the planning and implementation of housing programs.

                  “They [LGUs] are in the best position to provide the inputs we need in ensuring that our housing programs truly address the housing needs in the locality. They are also in the best position to help us achieve our vision,” Binay said.

                  The Vice President also plans to develop an investment-friendly business climate for the housing sector. He aims to solicit support and build strong partnership with the private sector in the implementation of localized housing projects for the poor.

                  VP Binay likewise seeks to simplify the procedures and reduce red tape in the processing of housing loans, registration and issuance of land titles, and housing permits both at the national and local levels; give incentives to participating private donors; and rationalize the housing finance and subsidy framework for housing and urban development.

                  He also intends to strengthen the implementation of the asset reform program involving the utilization of idle and underutilized government lands, and to require the online publication of all projects and loans granted by the key shelter agencies.

                  The Vice President further said he plans to formulate a road map for housing and urban development, which will be prepared together with all stakeholders in the housing industry.

                  “We can and we will succeed in building homes, and not just houses; in providing lasting opportunities, instead of temporary dole-outs; and transforming our seemingly forgotten human resources into productive members of the society,” Binay concluded.