DOTr, DHSUD ink collab pact for relocation of project-affected settlers

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Friday signed an agreement to collaborate on an integrated approach for the relocation of informal settlers affected by transit-oriented development projects.

In a statement, the DOTr said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Human Settlements Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar signed the agreement.

Under the agreement, the DOTr and DHSUD will coordinate the relocation and resettlement activities affected by transport projects; plan with concerned local government units transport-oriented development areas of major projects; and study and plan estates and new town development to ensure integrated land use and transport planning.

During the signing ceremony, Bautista said both departments would leverage each other’s expertise in land use, housing, and transportation planning to increase social and economic opportunities for Filipinos.

“For the first time, the DOTr and DHSUD have joined forces to create livable, vibrant, and healthy communities. We will leverage our collective expertise,” said the Transportation Secretary.

The DOTr said it would also coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the improvement of accessibility to existing and new DHSUD townships, estates, and housing projects by establishing new public transport routes to be identified and integrated into the route plans identified by LGUs and route rationalization studies of the DOTr and LTFRB.

Transport infrastructure integrated with land use and housing will ensure sustainability and propagate green spaces for communities, said Bautista.

For its part, the DHSUD will formulate and prescribe land use planning and zoning standards and regulations for the formulation of City-Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CMCLUP).

Acuzar said the agreement ensured prioritization of both housing and transportation.

“Sa pamamagitan ng MOA na ito, ating sinisiguro na hindi lang ang transportation ang ating inaayos kundi pati na rin ang tirahan ng ating isinasa-ayos kundi pati na rin ang tirahan ng bawat pamilyang maaapektuhan ng DOTr,” said the DHSUD chief. — DVM, GMA Integrated News