Her legislative and executive experience, combined with a results-oriented approach, will be put to the test in a sector where urban planning, construction productivity, and sustainability are at the heart of public debate and the expectations of citizens and stakeholders.
SANTO DOMINGO. – With a career spanning more than three decades in public service and Dominican institutional life, Víctor Orlando “ Ito” Bisonó Haza assumes the leadership of the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED), after being appointed by President Luis Abinader through Decree No. 3-26 issued in early January 2026.
According to official sources, his appointment reflects the Government's desire to strengthen strategic areas related to urban development and housing policy.
A political leader and public servant, his career combines legislative and executive experience, being a very active deputy for the National District in four consecutive periods, between 2002 and 2020, years during which he chaired the Commission of Economy, Planning and Development of the Chamber of Deputies and was part of the commissions of Industry and Commerce, and of Finance.
His legislative work allowed him to participate in key debates on competitiveness, energy, trade legislation and institutional strengthening.
Since August 2020, he served as Minister of Industry, Commerce and SMEs (MICM), a position from which he led initiatives aimed at revitalizing the productive sector, boosting competitiveness, integrating regulatory processes and fostering the business climate.
The Presidency defines its management of the portfolio as having a technical, pragmatic and results-oriented approach, qualities that it will now transfer to the area of housing and urban development.
Accustomed to explaining numbers and processes, Bisonó experienced one of his moments of greatest public exposure when an educational video about fuel calculations went viral on social media. The technical explanation ended up becoming a political slogan, an experience that, as he has acknowledged, reaffirmed for him the importance of communication in public administration.
Before joining the cabinet, Bisonó was also part of the National Council of the Magistracy, the institutional body responsible for the selection of high judges and magistrates, which gave him a role in processes of institutional counterbalance and high-level political dialogue.
Training and professional vision
Although publicly available information does not offer many details of his initial academic training, biographical reports highlight that Bisonó is a graduate of the business school of the Ibero-American University (UNIBE), where he formed his academic base in areas related to administration and management.
Throughout his career, he has promoted bills and regulatory frameworks on issues such as renewable energy, commercial companies, incentives for foreign rentiers and pensioners, as well as laws related to industrial competitiveness and innovation.
A technical and legislative profile that has allowed him to build a reputation as a facilitator between the business world, the productive sector and the structures of the State.
In addition, Bisonó is the founder and president of the Center for Analysis for Public Policies (CAPP), an institution that promotes debate and the formulation of proposals in areas such as economic development, security, technology and public policies, reflecting his interest in strategic reflection beyond the daily administrative function.
Timeline | Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, the professional
2002 – 2020
Representative for the National District for four consecutive terms. He chairs the Committee on Economy, Planning and Development of the Chamber of Deputies and participates in committees related to industry, commerce and finance.
2016 – 2020
Member of the National Council of the Magistracy, participating in selection processes for high courts.
2020 – 2026
Minister of Industry, Trade and SMEs. Leads policies to support the productive sector, competitiveness, business climate and public-private partnerships.
January 2026
Appointed Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings by presidential decree. He assumes responsibility for implementing the Government's housing and urban development policy.
Personal and family aspects
On a personal level, Bisonó comes from a family with a strong presence in Dominican cultural life. His mother, the renowned soprano Ivonne Haza del Castillo, was a prominent figure in classical music in the country, and the minister dedicated public messages to her upon learning of her passing, reflecting the connection and influence of that cultural environment on his personal development.
He is married to Isabel “Chabela” León Nouel, a member of a family with a business and industrial history in the Dominican Republic, and is the father of several children, including Andrés Guillermo, Daniela Isabel and Diego Orlando, with whom he maintains a discreet family life away from the public eye, in accordance with the profile of many officials who combine public activity and family life without media exposure.
Challenges at the head of Housing, Habitat and Buildings
Bisonó arrives at MIVHED with a central challenge: to expedite the execution of social housing projects, strengthen urban planning and improve the institutional response to the demand for decent housing in the country.
This portfolio change reflects the government's intention to align housing policy with a technical and disciplined vision of public management, at a time when the housing agenda is included in the priorities of the national budget and investment plan.
Her legislative and executive experience, combined with a results-oriented approach, will be put to the test in a sector where urban planning, the productivity of the construction sector, and the sustainability of residential environments are at the heart of public debate and citizens' expectations.
Intellectual production
In addition to his political and public administration career, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó has developed a body of written work that reflects his interest in analyzing the country, its institutions, and public policy. His books, several of which are available on his digital platform, include essays, articles, and reflections that accompany different stages of his public life.
• The Foundations of the Nation, source of civic virtues
A work focused on the founding values, national identity, and civic principles of the Dominican Republic.
• Vision of the Nation, articles and reflections of a politician
Compilation of texts published in the press, with reflections on democracy, economics and institutional development.
• Reflections for a Transformation in the Dominican Republic
Essays focused on proposals for structural change and modernization of the State.
• My Writings
A collection of articles organized by thematic axes, including citizenship, public ethics and vision for the future.
• From within: towards the country we want
His most recent publication combines memoirs, management analysis, and reflections on public service.
