HOUSE Bill 6775, which proposes the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, has been approved on second reading on Wednesday.

The bill is authored by Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Alfredo Benitez, chair of committee on housing and urban development, who said that with the approval, the realization of “our dream of having an agency that would address the housing problem is brighter.”

He added that the proposed legislation already passed the House committee on appropriations, and is expected to be approved soon at the plenary for the third and final reading.

In his sponsorship speech last month, Benitez said the nation cannot achieve its dream of inclusive development if problems as basic as housing cannot be addressed.

“The creation of this Department of Human Settlements is a critical step towards helping our citizens realize their dream of having their own house. This department will serve as a robust backbone structure towards building a stronger nation,” he added.