Definition of Economic and Socialized Housing
- Refers to housing units affordable to average and low-income earners, defined as costing no more than 30% of the gross family income.
- Gross family income levels are regularly determined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
- Includes government-initiated sites and services development and construction in depressed areas.
Authority of the Ministry of Human Settlements to Set Standards
- The Ministry of Human Settlements is empowered to establish and promulgate differentiated standards and technical requirements for economic and socialized housing projects.
- These standards may differ from provisions in existing laws such as:
- Presidential Decree No. 957 (Subdivision and Condominium Buyers' Protective Decree)
- Presidential Decree No. 1216 (Defining Open Space in Residential Subdivision)
- Presidential Decree No. 1096 (National Building Code of the Philippines)
- Presidential Decree No. 1185 (Fire Code of the Philippines)
- The formulation of these standards is done in consultation with relevant government bodies including the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, Integrated National Police, and other appropriate agencies and private associations.
Scope and Criteria for Standards and Technical Requirements
- The standards shall address:
- Environmental ecology
- Hygiene and cleanliness
- Physical, cultural, and spiritual development
- Public safety
- They may vary by region, province, or city depending on local conditions such as the availability of indigenous building materials and other pertinent factors.
Procedure for Promulgation of Standards
- Establishment of standards requires public hearings.
- After formulation, the standards must be published in two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.
- Publication frequency is at least once a week for two consecutive weeks.
- The standards come into effect 30 days after the last publication.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval, ensuring prompt implementation of the policy to support economic and socialized housing development.