Baguio: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DHSUD-CAR) and the Chamber of Real Estate Brokers Association (CREBA) are exploring ways to collaborate in addressing the region's housing backlog, particularly the implementation of socialized housing projects in Baguio and nearby towns.

According to Philippines News Agency, CREBA Baguio-Benguet president Emmanuel Clemente stated that they are seeking DHSUD's assistance, through the Metro Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA), to identify potential lands that private developers can use for socialized housing. Clemente highlighted the challenge posed by the high cost of land in Baguio, which exceeds the financial limits of socialized housing, making compliance difficult for developers.

Under current housing laws, subdivision developers must allocate at least five percent of their project area for socialized housing, while condominium developers must devote 30 percent. This requirement becomes nearly impossible to meet in high-cost areas like Baguio. DHSUD-CAR Regional Director Antonette Anaban noted that the agency is set to meet with CREBA to find workable solutions that benefit both the private sector and the government.

According to DHSUD-CAR data, the Cordillera region has a housing backlog of around 40,000 units from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 16,000 of these in Baguio City. Anaban emphasized that the private sector is playing a significant role in closing the housing gap by developing multi-story residential buildings to address limited land availability and high property costs.

CREBA Board Chairman Ramon Tagle also raised concerns about safety, noting that much of Benguet is classified as a disaster-prone area, which poses additional challenges for housing development.