DHSUD’s PLANADO Program: A strategic step towards sustainable urban development

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the PLANADO (Plan & Do) Program, aimed at enhancing land use planning and urban development. This initiative is part of a concerted effort to realize the vision of "organized and well-planned settlements," as part of the broader strategy for national development.

Launched in Cebu City by the DHSUD’s Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB), the PLANADO Program is designed to address the challenges and opportunities of urbanization. "As we harness the advantages brought by urbanization, we must also address the various challenges that go along with it. Thus, it is imperative for us to ensure that our land and resources are responsibly and sustainably managed so that we can safeguard our efforts in allocating spaces that foster economic growth, social well-being, and environmental harmony,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked.

Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar emphasized the program as a vital push towards the nationwide implementation of the President's Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, underlining the critical need for coordinated planning across different sectors to build sustainable and inclusive communities.

The essence of PLANADO is to streamline and digitalize the land use and urban planning and development processes, aiming for the creation of smart, green, resilient, and inclusive human settlements. It aspires to eliminate the backlog on Comprehensive Land Use Plans and Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans by 2028 and to lay the groundwork for future urban development (UrbaNext 2040).

President Marcos Jr. encouraged the public to support the PLANADO initiative, stating, “I call upon the entire citizenry to unite as we support this program and implement innovative strategies that will make our communities better, sustainable and more inclusive for all.”

The ELUPDB, with the support of DHSUD’s 16 Regional Offices and in collaboration with various stakeholders, leads the charge in rolling out the PLANADO Program nationwide. President Marcos Jr. expressed his optimism for the program's success, concluding, “With high hopes and optimism, I look forward to us reaping the fruits of our coordinated efforts as envisioned in this program. Therefore, let us all take part in building resilient Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino family is provided with respectable, comfortable, and safe living conditions that they rightfully deserve.”

This initiative underscores the government's dedication to fostering sustainable urban environments, ensuring that the pursuit of development harmonizes with the principles of social equity and environmental stewardship.