Manila: The local government acknowledged the contribution of the real estate industry in providing socialized housing programs, as the city works to meet the growing demand for affordable homes. City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said the city needs to catch up on building 15,000 to 20,000 affordable housing units within 10 years for its growing population. "There is no doubt that in the Philippines, the city has the most socialized housing projects because of the demand," said Cabanlas, who chairs the committee on urban poor and housing development.

According to Philippines News Agency, there are still pending applications by various local and national land developers at the City Council that await inspection before housing projects are approved. Aside from compliance with environmental and civil works requirements, the mandated 15 percent allocation of total property for socialized housing is strictly observed.

Under Republic Act 10884 (Balanced Housing Development Program), private developers are required to allocate at least 15 percent of the total project area or total project cost for socialized housing. These units are intended for middle-income families and must not exceed PHP900,000 in property value. Cabanlas also noted that the increase in real estate development in the city was influenced by economic activities resulting from local migration and the development of new townships and business centers in upland barangays bordering Bukidnon province.