A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) governing the collaboration between the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) was inked on Friday, thereby providing the framework of the agencies’ responsibilities in the development of priority transit-oriented development (TOD) projects.
The MOA is a continuation of the previous collaboration and joint commitment of the two agencies to adopt an integrated approach to land use and urban transit planning.
To recall, the DOTr in 2019 executed a MOA with the then-Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council in which the Transportation agency transferred funds, including those to be used for administrative expenses, for the former Housing agency to support the DOTr in implementing transit projects. Republic Act 11201, in turn, allows for the DHSUD to continue this function as part of the merger between the HUDCC and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.
The MOA, therefore, orders the DHSUD to hold regular high-level coordination meetings with the DOTr for transportation, and housing and urban development convergence matters. It likewise orders for the two agencies to create joint plans with concerned local government units (LGUs) where TODs will commence.
Similarly, the MOA mandates the DOTr to continue working with the DHSUD regarding resettlement and relocation activities under TODs. It also orders for the joint conduct of studies and master planning exercises for estates and new town development to ensure integrated land use and transport planning.
The agreement likewise requires the DHSUD and DOTr to provide each other with access to databases and information including Transportation Plans, public utility vehicle routes and capacities, Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Provincial and Physical Framework Plans and Local Shelter Plans of LGUs.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar reiterated the Department’s firm support of the DOTr’s endeavors to uplift the lives of Filipinos which coincides with the thrust of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing Program. He also thanked the DOTr for “recognizing that planning under a whole-of-government approach will only be successful if our projects work for all, regardless of income or capacity in life.”
“Napakagandang balita po nito para sa ating mga kababayan dahil sa pamamagitan ng MOA na ito atin pong sinisiguro na hindi lamang transportasyon ang ating isinasaayos kundi pati na rin ang tirahan ng bawat pamilyang maaapektuhan ng mga proyektong ng DOTr,” he added.
Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, in a letter, said this partnership “has already yielded remarkable results, particularly in addressing the housing and resettlement needs of individuals affected by rail transportation projects” and that the MOA signing was “another step in strengthening the collective efforts of the two agencies in creating more inclusive and vibrant communities.”
The MOA is in line with the mandate of the Special Provisions of Republic Acts (RAs) 11518, 11639 and 11936 for the DHSUD to develop land use and zoning guidelines to expand the scope of socialized and economic housing in the vicinity and in the approach to train stations including open spaces, drainage and essential education and housing facilities around news transit-oriented developments.
