DAVAO CITY, Philippines (PNA) — The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) is urging members of the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) to be more conscious of the resiliency and adaptability of their housing projects to disasters.

This was emphasized by HUDCC deputy secretary general Wendel E. Avisado during his message at the opening of the Mindanao Housing Fair organized by SHDA held at Gaisanao Mall Atrium in Davao City from March 21 to 23. Avisado represented HUDCC Chair Jejomar Binay during the occasion.

He suggested that houses be preferably green in composition and design, and contributory to preserving the environment. He said there is no substitute to religiously complying with the standard plans and specifications.

"We all know what is standard and sub-standard. We owe that to ourselves, to the would-be owners of housing units and most importantly to our God," Avisado said.

At the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) LGUs Summit here last week, local executives focused on mainstreaming climate change adaptation in the Philippines, including the location and zoning of housing projects.

Mayor Loreto Cabbaya of Aleosan, North Cotabato and LMP Mindanao Island Cluster president, said it is important that LGUs be guided by the geohazard maps in designating areas for housing projects.

SHDA Davao chapter chair of the board Francisco M. Soriano, in a separate interview, said they support the LGUs zoning ordinance even as he said that in Davao City most of the housing projects are geared towards elevated areas already. He also said members of SHDA are guided by their core values of delivering projects that would benefit most their clients in terms of safety and comfort within their respective communities.

The Mindanao Housing Fair is joined by 25 real property developers with co-presentors Davies Paints, Phils., Inc. and Holcim Phils., Inc.with major sponsors among others Designer's Avenue, Pag-IBIG Fund, SHDA National, RJP Realty Development, and Union Galvasteel Corporation.