Policy and Advocacy for Affordable Housing

by Armee Sedillo Taylo

*Image courtesy of Pim de Boer @ Unsplash.*

Introduction to Policy and Advocacy in Affordable Housing

Safe, secure, and affordable housing isn’t just a dream – it’s a fundamental right. But across the Asia-Pacific region, many people struggle to find a decent place to live that doesn’t swallow their entire paycheck.

This is where policy and advocacy come in – powerful tools that can break down barriers and create lasting change. By working together, governments, communities, and organizations like the Asia-Pacific Housing Forum can push for smarter policies, raise awareness, and build a future where everyone has a place to call home.

Current Policy Landscape for Affordable Housing

Across Asia and the Pacific, countries tackle affordable housing in many different ways. Here are some important policies they use.

Government Initiatives

Many countries have launched programs to address affordability directly. For instance, the Philippines’ PAGIBIG Affordable Housing Program (AHP) offers subsidized loans and housing developments like PAGIBIG houses and lots. These initiatives help low-income earners secure decent shelter.

Similarly, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) offers heavily subsidized flats for purchase in Singapore. These flats are often located in new towns with amenities, making them an attractive option for many Singaporeans. This approach is echoed in other parts of Southeast Asia, with countries like Thailand’s Baht for a Home program providing financial assistance for low-income families to buy houses.

Focus on Sustainability

The conversation is shifting beyond just affordability. Policies are incorporating sustainable housing principles. This means promoting energy-efficient construction materials and layouts and fostering communities with access to public transportation and green spaces.

For instance, China’s Eco-city program invests in developing cities with green building standards, renewable energy sources, and efficient waste management systems. In India, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Mission focuses on building energy-efficient homes with features like solar panels and LED lighting.

Impact and Challenges

While these policies show promise, challenges remain. Rapid urbanization often outpaces regional infrastructure development, making providing affordable and sustainable housing in fast-growing cities difficult. In the Philippines, eligibility criteria for programs like PAGIBIG can exclude informal workers or those with non-traditional income sources.

This is evident in megacities like Jakarta, Indonesia, where informal settlements struggle with inadequate sanitation and access to basic services. Additionally, eligibility criteria for programs can exclude vulnerable populations. For example, in Thailand, migrant workers might not meet the requirements for government housing assistance.

Advocacy Efforts and Stakeholder Engagement

The fight for affordable housing isn’t happening in a vacuum. A chorus of voices is demanding change.

Civil Society and Community Groups

On the ground, community organizations empower residents, especially in the Philippines. They educate people about their rights, particularly regarding housing loan options in the Philippines, and advocate for fairer regulations.

They also conduct research highlighting the impact of skyrocketing house prices in the Philippines on ordinary citizens. This grassroots work ensures the lived experiences of those struggling with affordability are heard.

International Collaboration

International organizations play a crucial role. UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, plays a key part in supporting countries across the Asia-Pacific region. UN-Habitat provides technical assistance, promotes policy development, and facilitates knowledge exchange.

For instance, UN Habitat’s Asia-Pacific Housing Forum brings together governments, NGOs, and the private sector. These platforms foster collaboration, share best practices, and push for a regional approach to tackling affordable housing challenges.

Furthermore, forums like the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanization Forum (ASUF) allow Southeast Asian countries to collaborate on developing sustainable and inclusive cities, with affordable housing being a key focus.

The Power of Advocacy

These efforts are making a difference. Successful advocacy campaigns have pressured governments to increase funding for affordable housing initiatives. Additionally, they’ve influenced policies like increasing minimum wages, which can improve affordability for low-income earners.

Even beauty pageants are playing a role. For example, The Miss Earth pageant empowers delegates to advocate for environmental sustainability. These platforms provide a global stage to raise awareness about pressing issues like climate change, which can significantly impact housing security.

By combining leadership training with a focus on environmental responsibility, pageants like Miss Earth can equip young women to become effective advocates for a future where sustainable housing is accessible to all.

Policy Recommendations and Future Directions

The conversations happening across the Asia-Pacific region are brimming with innovative ideas. Here are some key policy recommendations:

Streamlining Regulations

Bureaucratic red tape can stifle affordable housing development. Simplifying approval and land titling procedures can expedite construction and potentially lower house prices in the Philippines and other countries.

Mixed-Income Communities

Building vibrant communities where people from all income backgrounds live side-by-side fosters social inclusion and a sense of belonging. Incentivizing the development of mixed-income housing projects is a promising strategy.

Sustainable Solutions

The future of affordable housing is sustainable. Policies encouraging energy-efficient construction and green building practices benefit the environment and reduce residents’ long-term energy costs.

Financing Innovation

Exploring alternative financing models is crucial. Microfinance and rent-to-own schemes can help low-income earners access affordable housing, especially those excluded from traditional housing loan options in the Philippines.

The fight for affordable housing is a marathon, not a sprint. Continued collaboration between governments, communities, and the private sector is essential. By prioritizing affordability and sustainability and embracing innovation in policy and advocacy, the Asia-Pacific region can move closer to a future where everyone has a decent and sustainable place to live.

Case Studies of Policy Impact

Seeing policies translate into real change is inspiring. Let’s look at some examples:

The PAGIBIG Fund in the Philippines

The PAGIBIG Fund, a Philippine government program offering subsidized housing loans and developments like PAGIBIG houses and lots, has provided millions of Filipinos with access to affordable homes. By simplifying procedures and offering competitive housing loan terms in the Philippines, PAGIBIG has helped many families achieve their dream of homeownership.

This case study highlights the importance of targeted programs that address specific needs. PAGIBIG caters to low- and middle-income earners, a demographic often excluded from traditional mortgage options.

Public-Private Partnerships in Thailand

Thailand’s government has partnered with the private sector to develop mixed-income housing projects. These projects integrate affordable housing units with commercial spaces and public amenities, creating vibrant communities and increasing the attractiveness of affordable housing options.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors can unlock the resources and expertise needed to achieve large-scale affordable housing goals. Mixed-income projects demonstrate the positive social impact of inclusive housing development.

These case studies offer valuable lessons. By tailoring policies to specific needs and fostering collaboration, governments across the Asia-Pacific region can build on these successes and create a future where affordable housing is a reality for all.

Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB)

As discussed earlier, Singapore’s HDB offers heavily subsidized flats for purchase. These flats are often located in new towns with amenities like schools, shops, and public transportation.

This program addresses affordability while promoting well-rounded communities. The HDB model showcases the impact of government intervention in providing a significant portion of the housing stock and ensuring its affordability.

Empower Your Involvement: Taking Action for Affordable Housing

The fight for affordable housing is winnable but requires collective effort. Everyone has a role to play, from individuals to communities to corporations. BillionBricks believes that by working together, we can create a future where everyone has a safe and decent place to call home.

Informed by the insights in this article, explore ways to get involved – whether volunteering with local housing organizations, advocating for policy changes, or simply spreading awareness. Every action counts in building a more equitable and affordable housing landscape.

BillionBricks offers energy-efficient, self-sufficient, and affordable net-zero homes perfect for your family’s needs in San Mateo, Rizal, and Iligan, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines. Are you dreaming of an eco-friendly home? Let’s make it a reality together! Contact us at https://billionbricks.org/sign-up to learn how you can take advantage of our innovative home designs.

If you’re passionate about affordable housing and want to learn more, we recommend you read our article, which is filled with valuable insights. Check out the article: Why do we keep solving the housing crisis the wrong way?

References: