BP 220 & PD 957

Written Report for course Planning 1

Prepared for:

Ar./EnP. Gerelson Ray R. Bernardino, UAP, PIEP,

MSCM, CIPM

Prepared by:

Tyron E. Custodio

Arch 3A / 2120174

February 22, 2024

Second Semester A.Y. 2023 - 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

I. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………1
II. BODY …………………………………………………………………………..……1
BP 220………………………………………………………………………………….2
 Minimum Design Standards And Requirements For Economic And
Socialized Housing Projects…………………………………………..………2
 Technical Guidelines and Standards for Subdivisions…………….….……3
 Planning Considerations……………………………………………………….4

PD 957……………………………………………………………………………..……..6

 Site Criteria…………………………………………………………..……..……6
 Planning Considerations…………………………………………...…….……..7
a. Area Planning………………………………………………………..……….7
b. Site preservations……………….…………………………………..……….9
c. Easements…………………………………………………………………….9
d. Circulation……………………………………………………………...……10

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PD 957 & BP 220…………………………………..11

III. CONCLUSION ……………………………………………...…………..……………15

IV. RECOMMENDATION …………………………………...…………….….…………15
V. REFERENCES ……………………………………………….………….……………16

LIST OF FIGURES:

Figure 1. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220……………………………….11

Figure 2. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220……………………………….12
Figure 3. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220……………………………….13
Figure 4. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220……………………………….14
I. INTRODUCTION

In the dynamic landscape of urban development in the Philippines, the roles

and regulations governing land use, zoning, and housing have been significantly shaped
by two landmark legislative acts: Batas Pambansa 220 (BP 220) and Presidential Decree
957 (PD 957). These legislative frameworks, crafted during distinct epochs of Philippine
governance, have left indelible imprints on the nation's urban fabric, influencing the spatial
organization of cities and the provision of shelter for its citizens.

BP 220, enacted in 1982, and PD 957, promulgated in 1976, emerged as

responses to the burgeoning challenges of urbanization, rapid population growth, and the
increasing demand for affordable housing. While both legislations share the overarching
goal of promoting orderly urban development, they diverge in their approaches, scope, and
implementation strategies.

This research endeavors to delve into the intricacies of BP 220 and PD 957, dissecting
their provisions, examining their historical contexts, and assessing their impacts on
Philippine urban landscapes. By conducting a comparative analysis, this study seeks to
elucidate the strengths, weaknesses, and enduring legacies of these regulatory
frameworks, shedding light on their efficacy in addressing contemporary urban challenges
and fostering sustainable development.

II. BODY
 BP 220 – Socialized Housing Law

These rules and standards shall apply to the development of economic and
socialized housing projects in urban and rural areas as defined in Section 2 of BP
Blg. 220. They shall apply to the development of either a house and lot or a house or
lot only. It is a policy of the government to promote and encourage the development
of economic and socialized housing projects, primarily by the private sector in order
to make available adequate economic and socialized housing units for average and
low-income earners in urban and rural areas.

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1.Minimum Design Standards And Requirements For Economic And Socialized
Housing Projects

The minimum design standards set forth herein are intended to

provide minimum requirements within the generally accepted levels of safety,
health and ecological considerations. Variations, however are also possible,
as may be based on some specific regional, cultural and economic setting,
e.g., building materials, space requirement and usage. This minimum design
standards encourages the use of duly accredited indigenous materials and
technology such as innovative design and systems, modular systems and
components among others. The parameters used in formulating these Design
Standards are:

A. Protection and safety of life, limb, property and general public

welfare.

B. Basic needs of human settlements, enumerated in descending order

as follows:
a. Water
b. Movement and circulation
c. Storm drainage
d. Solid and liquid waste disposal
e. Park/playground
f. Power
The provision of these basic needs shall be based on the actual setting
within which the project site is located.

C. Affordability levels of target market

Affordable cost - refers to the most reasonable price of land and shelter
based on the needs and financial capability of Program Beneficiaries and
Appropriate Financing Schemes (RA 7279)

D. Location
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 Both economic and socialized housing projects shall be located within
suitable site for housing and outside potential hazard prone and protection
areas.

2.Technical Guidelines and Standards for Subdivisions

In determining whether an economic and socialized housing shall be

allowed, the following guidelines shall be considered.

A. Site Criteria

a. Availability of basic needs

The prioritized basic needs cited earlier shall preferably be available

with reasonable distance from the project site, but where these are not
available, the same shall be provided for by the developer.

b. Conformity with the Zoning Ordinance or Land Use Plan of the

City/Municipality
Generally, housing projects should conform with the zoning ordinance
of the city/municipality where they are located, thus, shall be in suitable sites
for housing. However, where there is no zoning ordinance or land use plan,
the predominant land use principle and site suitability factors cited herein
shall be used in determining suitability of a project to a site.
Furthermore, if the project is undoubtedly supportive of other land
uses and activities (e.g., housing for industrial workers) said project shall be
allowed.

c. Physical Suitability

A potential site must have characteristics assuring healthful, safe and

environmentally sound community life. It shall be stable enough to
accommodate foundation load without excessive site works. Critical areas
(e.g., areas subject to flooding, landslides and stress) must be avoided.

d. Accessibility

The site must be served by a road that is readily accessible to public

transportation lines. Said access road shall conform to the standards set

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 herein of these Rules to accommodate expected demand caused by the
development of the area. In no case shall a subdivision project be approved
without necessary access road/right-of-way constructed either by the
developer or the Local Government Unit.

3.Planning Considerations

3.1. Area Planning

Project design should consider not only the reduction of cost of

development to a minimum but also the provision for possible future

improvement or expansion, as in the prescription of lot sizes, right-of-way of

roads, open space, allocation of areas for common uses and facilities.

Land allocation and alignment of the various utilities (roads, drainage, power

and water) of the subdivision shall be integrated with those of existing

networks as well as projects outside the boundaries of the project site, e.g.

access roads set forth herein and should follow the standard specifications

of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

3.2. Site Preservation/Alteration

a. Slope

The finished grade shall have a desired slope to allow rain water to be

channeled into street drains. Where cut and fill are necessary, an
appropriate grade shall be attained to prevent any depression in the
area. Grading and ditching shall be executed in a manner that will
prevent erosion or flooding of adjoining properties.

b. Preservation of Site Assets

Suitable trees with a caliper diameter of 200 millimeters or more,

shrubs and desirable ground cover shall be preserved. Where a good
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 quality top soil exists in the site, it shall not be removed and shall be
preserved for finishing grades of yards, playgrounds, parks and
garden area.

c. Ground Cover

Grass, shrubs, plants and other landscaping materials used for ground

cover shall be of variety appropriate for its intended use and location.

They shall be so planted as to allow complete and permanent cover of

the area.

3.3. Easements

Subdivision projects shall observe and conform to the provisions of

easements as may be required by:

a. Chapter IV, Section 51 of the Water Code of the Philippines on

water

bodies

b. National Power Corporation (NPC) on transmission lines

c. Fault traces as identified by PHIVOLCS per Resolution No. 515,

series of 1992

d. Right-of-way of other public companies and other entities.

e. For projects abutting national roads (primary roads) adequate

easement shall be provided for road including loading and unloading

as may be required by national/local government units.

f. Other related laws

3.4. Circulation

a. Depending on the classification of roads adjacent to the subdivision

and the size of the project site, road network should result into a

hierarchy of functions and should define and serve the subdivisions

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 as one integrated unit.

b. Roads complemented with pathwalk within the subdivision must be

so aligned to facilitate movement within and in linking the subdivision

to the nearest major transportation route and adjacent property.

Whenever there is/are existing roads within the project site which

shall be made part of the subdivision, these shall be improved in

accordance with the standards set forth herein.

c. Streets should conform to the contours of the land as much as

practicable.

d. Provisions of major street extension for future connection to

adjoining developed and/or underdeveloped properties shall be
mandatory and integrated or aligned with existing ones, if any.

e. Streets shall be so laid out to minimize critical intersections such as

blind corners, skew junctions, etc.

f. Roads shall conform with civil work design criteria as per Section

10.B.3 of this rules and sound engineering practices.

 PD 957 – Subdivision and Condominium Act

Design Standards for Subdivision Residential subdivision

projects shall conform with the following minimum design standards,
applicable local government units' (LGU) zoning ordinances as well as
pertinent provisions of the National Building Code if project is with housing
component:

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A. Site Criteria

1. Location
Conformity with Zoning Ordinance/Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Subdivision projects shall be located in residential zones or other areas
appropriate for residential uses. If there is no Zoning Ordinance or approved
Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the dominant land use principle and site
suitability factors cited herein shall be used in determining suitability of a
project.
Subdivision projects supportive of other major urban activities (e.g. housing
for industrial workers) may be allowed in area zoned for the said urban
activities.
2. Physical Suitability
Subdivision projects shall be located within suitable sites for housing
and
outside hazard prone areas and protection areas as provided for by
pertinent laws. Critical areas (e.g. areas subject to flooding, landslides and
those with unstable soil) must be avoided.
The site shall be stable enough to accommodate foundation load without
excessive earthmoving, grading or cutting and filling.
3. Accessibility
The site must be served by a road that is readily accessible to public
transportation lines. Said access road shall conform with the standards set
herein to accommodate expected demand caused by the development of
the area. In no case shall a subdivision project be approved without the
necessary access road/right-of-way. Said access road right-of-way may
be constructed either by the developer or the local government unit.
B. Planning Considerations
1. Area Planning
Planning and designing of subdivision projects shall take into account the
following:
a. safety and general welfare of the future occupants:

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b. adequate, safe, efficient and integrative road circulation system
servicing every lot therein;
c. judicious allocation of land uses for diversity and amenity;
d. preservation of site
e. proper siting or orientation of lots;
f. harmony with existing and proposed development in the vicinity;
g. Application of workable design principles or parameters for a well
planned and self-sustaining environment.
When a developer or planner submits a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
type of project, the layout shall likewise conform to the standards for
residential/condominium projects.
a. Open spaces
Open spaces shall conform to the provisions of P.D. 1216 and its
implementing rules and shall include the following:
a. 1 Streets -adequate and safe means of vehicular and pedestrian
circulation and easements for utilities and planting strips, shall be
provided.
a. 2 Walks -paved walks shall be provided to the living units from
streets, parking spaces and from living units to play areas.
a. 3 Parks and playground - suitable recreational area(s) shall be
allocated within the subdivision. Where applicable, a hierarchy of
such recreational areas may be provided for, such that, a
strategically located main park area is supplemented or
complemented by one or more smaller pocket(s) or areas for
recreational use. These areas must be accessible to living units and
free from any form of hazard or risk_ Said parks and playgrounds
shall be cleared and free from any debris. Parks and playgrounds as
much as possible shall be at street level.
b. Facilities and Amenities
Areas required for subdivision facilities and amenities shall be, judiciously
allocated in accordance with the provisions herein specified.
c. Density

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Density of subdivision projects shall conform with the residential
densities set forth in the zoning ordinance of the city/municipality
where project is located. Where there is a mixture of housing types
within the subdivision (such as single-detached, row house, town
houses, etc.), density shall include the total number of dwelling units
in multi-storey structure plus the total number of lots intended for
single and semi-detached houses.

2. Site Preservation
a. Slope
The finished grade shall have a desired slope to allow rain water to be
channeled into street drains. Where cut and fill is necessary, an
appropriate grade shall be attained to prevent any depression in the
area.
Grading and ditching shall be executed in a manner that will prevent
erosion or flooding of adjoining properties.
b.Preservation of Site Assets
Suitable trees with a caliper diameter of 200 millimetres or more,
shrubs and desirable ground cover per Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) rules shall be preserved. Where a
good quality top soil exists in the site, it shall be banked and shall be
preserved for finishing grades of yards, playgrounds, parks and
garden area.
c. Ground Cover
Grass, shrubs, plants and other landscaping materials used for ground
cover shall be of a variety appropriate for its intended use and location.
They shall be planted so as to allow well-tended cover of the area.
3. Easements
Subdivision projects shall observe and conform to the following
provisions on easements as may be required by:
a. Chapter IV, Section 51 of The Water Code, on water bodies;
b. National Power Corporation (NPC), on transmission lines;
9
c. PHIVOLCS per Resolution No. 515, Series of 1992, on identified fault
traces;
d. Other public utility companies and other entities' right-of-way;
e. National/local government units for projects abutting national roads
(primary roads) where adequate easement shall be provided for,
including loading and unloading areas;
f. Other related laws.

4. Circulation
Depending on the classification of roads adjacent to the subdivision
and
the size of the project site, road network should result into a hierarchy of
functions and should define and serve the subdivision as one integrated
unit.
a. Roads complemented with path walks within the subdivision must be
so aligned to facilitate movement and to link the subdivision to the
nearest major transportation route and/or adjacent property.
Whenever there are existing roads within the project site which shall
be made part of the subdivision plan, these shall be improved in
accordance with the standards set forth herein.
b. Streets should conform to the contours of the land as far as
practicable
Where a proposed project adjoins a developed property, roads within
the said project shall be connected/integrated/aligned with existing
ones.
Where a proposed project adjoins undeveloped property, a provision
for future connection shall be mandatory.
c. As far as practicable, streets shall be laid out at right angles to
minimize critical intersections such as blind corners, skew junction,
etc.
d. Roads shall conform to sound engineering practices.
e. Subdivision projects shall comply to the pertinent requirements of

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 Batas Pambansa No. 344, otherwise known as the Accessibility Law.
5. Installation of Street Names/Signs:
The developer shall bear the cost of installation of street names/signs
coincident with the construction of streets.

 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PD 957 & BP 220

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Figure 1. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220

Figure 2. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220

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Figure 3. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220

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Figure 4. Comparative Analysis of Pd 957 & Bp 220

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III. Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparative analysis of BP 220 and PD 957 highlights the
complexity and significance of regulatory frameworks governing urban development in
the Philippines. While both laws aim to address housing needs and promote sustainable
urbanization, they exhibit distinct approaches and priorities. BP 220 focuses on
socialized housing and community development, aiming to provide affordable housing
options for low- and middle-income families. On the other hand, PD 957 emphasizes
comprehensive land use planning and regulation of subdivision and condominium
projects to ensure orderly development and consumer protection. Despite their
divergent scopes, both legislations play pivotal roles in shaping urban landscapes and
addressing housing challenges in the country. However, challenges such as inconsistent
implementation, bureaucratic hurdles, and inadequate enforcement persist, hindering
the full realization of their objectives. Moving forward, concerted efforts are required to
overcome these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of urban development
regulations.

IV. Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study, the researcher came up with the following
recommendations:

 The researcher argues that conducting a comprehensive review of BP

220 and PD 957 to identify overlaps, gaps, and inconsistencies.
Streamline regulations to create a more cohesive and integrated legal
framework for urban development.
 Strengthen enforcement mechanisms and monitoring systems to
ensure compliance with urban development regulations. Implement
measures to address issues such as unauthorized subdivisions,
inadequate infrastructure provision, and non-compliance with housing
standards.

 It is suggested that aspiring architects to continuously educate

yourself about BP 220, PD 957, and other relevant urban development
regulations. Stay updated on amendments and new legislations that
may impact your future projects.

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V. References

Housing And Land Use Regulatory Board. 2009, Revised Implementing Rules
andRegulations for PD
957,http://www.hudcc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/document/IRR%20
PD%20957.pdf

Housing And Land Use Regulatory Board. November 2008, Revised

ImplementingRules and Regulations of BP 220.http://hlurb.gov.ph/wp-
content/uploads/laws-and-
issuances/Revised_IRR_BP220_2008.pdf.https://lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd19
76/pd_957_1976.htmlhttps://hlurb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/laws-and-
issuances/pd_957.pdf

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