The recent discussion on housing project approvals highlights an important area where both government and the private sector can collaborate more closely. Industry groups have raised concerns about prolonged waiting periods for license to sell (LTS) applications, even when developers have submitted complete requirements. These delays affect project timelines and reduce the options available to homebuyers, including overseas Filipino workers who often rely on pre-selling units as their most accessible path to homeownership.
A recent statement from A Better Real Estate Philippines (ABREP) added to this conversation. Its president, Anthony Gerard Leuterio, urged the government to avoid policy changes that could slow down new developments and worsen the housing shortage. He noted that developers in major cities such as Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Ormoc, and Metro Manila have reported extended waiting times for LTS approvals despite complete submissions. These concerns were raised after the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)–Central Visayas clarified that it had not caused delays in the issuance of approvals. The exchange underscores how important predictability and clarity are for both regulators and developers.
It has also been observed that the centralization of approval authority has created bottlenecks that slow down the launch of new developments. When approvals take longer than expected, construction schedules shift, financing becomes more complex, and buyers lose opportunities. Stalled projects reduce supply and contribute to higher prices in the market.
These concerns matter because the country’s housing backlog exceeded six million units in 2023 and could reach thirteen million by 2040 if current trends continue. The Marcos administration has set ambitious targets to address this deficit. Achieving them requires a regulatory environment that is efficient and predictable, and a private sector that is ready to meet higher standards of planning and compliance.
At the same time, the conversation should not only focus on the challenges. Developers also play a role in making the process smoother. In my experience, projects that are well designed, well documented, and grounded in clear engineering principles tend to move more steadily through the approval pipeline. After all, good design is not only about form but also about compliance with all rules and regulations. When plans are complete and documentation is thorough, the process becomes more straightforward for regulators.
This has been the approach of Italpinas since the beginning. Our projects rely on passive design strategies that are simple, measurable, and aligned with natural conditions. We prepare our documents with care because we understand that regulators must evaluate every detail. We choose locations where our developments can support regional growth and where our work can contribute to long term community development. These are deliberate choices that reflect our commitment to responsible development.
1Even as we discuss improvements, it is important to recognize that regulation exists to protect the public. The goal is not to remove rules but to ensure that they are clear, consistent, and timely. A strong regulatory framework supports trust, which is essential for a healthy property sector. This is where the DHSUD and the concerned government agencies as well as local governments can work together in pursuing the administration’s commitment to provide affordable housing for all Filipinos.
The path forward is not a choice between faster approvals or better buildings. The country needs both. We need a system that functions efficiently and a private sector that builds with discipline. If both sides meet at a higher standard, we can deliver the homes that millions of Filipinos are waiting for and support the broader economic goals of the administration. This is the responsibility we share.
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