Author: Mariel Vincent Rapisura

Vince Rapisura Advocates for Financial Wellness Among Doctors and Democratization of Beauty at Dermatology Event

At the recent True North: Mapping the Future of Dermatology event organized by the Philippine Dermatological Society in Baguio City, financial literacy expert Vince Rapisura delivered a compelling talk addressing the unique financial challenges faced by doctors and proposing innovative solutions to democratize beauty in the Philippines.

Rapisura began by outlining the financial profile of medical professionals, using data to highlight that despite being high earners, many doctors fall into the category he humorously labels as HENRY — “High Earning, Not Rich Yet.” He explained, “…if you take a look at the range of doctors, nasa middle class to upper middle income class ang mga doctors sa Pilipinas. So kung titingnan natin, konting kembot na lang ay pupunta na sa rich. I therefore conclude na ang mga doctors po ay HENRY.”

The financial literacy advocate pointed out that doctors often focus intensely on their practice, leaving little time for business development or investment, which can lead to lower savings and investment rates. “I think malaki talaga ang clash ng ethics ng pagiging doktor and creating a business out of it,” Rapisura noted, adding that this might be why doctors have a lower financial literacy level compared to other professions.

Addressing the lifestyle challenges doctors face, including the “I deserve this” mentality due to overworking and long periods of education, Rapisura emphasized the need for a structured approach to personal finance. “It’s not how much you make, but how much you keep that matters,” he advised, promoting a budgeting rule of 5, 15, 20, 60 — a guideline that allocates percentage of income toward insurance, savings, investments, and expenses respectively.

One of the most intriguing parts of his presentation was the call for the democratization of beauty, which Rapisura described as a potential tool for lifting people out of poverty. Explaining the concept of a beauty premium, where a study showed that very attractive high school graduates can earn as much as 15% more compared to the average looking. This economic phenomenon, where more attractive individuals tend to earn more, led to his proposal: “What if cosmetic treatments were made affordable for the mass market? Low markup but high volume, less demanding on clients.”

Rapisura’s proposals extend beyond individual financial advice to a broader social impact, demonstrating a visionary approach to tackling issues of wellness and inequality. His talk not only highlighted the financial “unwellness” prevalent among doctors but also showcased innovative ideas that could transform the beauty industry and enhance economic opportunities for underprivileged groups in the Philippines.

Nanoenterprises Confront Inflation: A Mixed Recovery Landscape in Early 2023 Update 19 of SEDPI’s Rapid Community Assessment (RCA) January – March 2023

In the first few months of 2023, nanoenterprises continue their journey towards recovery, now facing the added challenge of rising prices. Our latest study at Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI) provides new insights into how nanoenterprises are doing. Although there are signs of improvement, the issue of inflation is making the recovery process harder for many.

Our findings show that almost half (47%) of the nanoenterprises surveyed feel their business has weakened a bit during the first quarter of 2023. This is actually a 10% improvement from the last quarter, showing that business conditions are getting slightly better. A consistent one-third of nanobusinesses have been able to keep going as usual over the past six months, showing a good amount of strength despite the difficulties.

However, external factors, mainly rising costs, are making things hard for many nanoenterprises. This period has seen a clear impact on nanoenterprises, with many (83%) saying that higher prices are the main reason they are finding it hard to grow. On a brighter note, fewer businesses are reporting no buyers, with the number dropping from 6% in the last quarter of 2022 to 3% now, which suggests that more people are buying again.

When we look at demand, the picture is a bit mixed. While 38% of businesses are seeing more demand for their products and services—a good increase from last year—the number has dipped a bit from December’s 42%. This shows that while demand is better than during the worst of the pandemic, it’s still changing a lot.

The ability to get supplies stayed stable, with 71% of businesses managing to get what they need, similar to last quarter. However, the overall picture of recovery is a bit worrying, as the number of businesses that feel they have recovered from the pandemic’s impact has dropped from a high of 77% to 51% now, again mainly due to the challenges brought by rising prices.

Half of the businesses surveyed say their income has gone down, pointing to higher prices, more competition, and weakening business conditions as the main reasons. On the other hand, those who have seen their income go up say it’s because of more demand, a good season for farming, and having more people in the household earning money.

For this round of rapid community assessment, there were 571 respondents. The majority of respondents are nanoenterprises owned and operated by women (85%), with an average age of 42 and 73% being married. SEDPI is a microfinance institution dedicated to providing ethical financing to nanoenterprises in Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Their efforts have led to significant improvements in various aspects of the beneficiaries’ lives, such as business growth, education, housing, nutrition, and income.

These findings highlight a key moment for nanoenterprises as they deal with both the positives of recovery and the negatives of inflation. The strength and flexibility these small businesses have shown are impressive, but there’s still a tough road ahead. As SEDPI keeps supporting the sector with fair loans and help in building skills, focusing on how to deal with inflation and keep businesses stable is more important than ever. The path to full recovery for nanoenterprises shows progress but also reminds us of the need for ongoing support and attention to the changing economy.

Summit Concludes with Strategic Blueprint for Housing Crisis Resolution

As the 2nd socialized housing summit hosted by ACSent and SEDPI at Ateneo de Manila University drew to a close, Vince Rapisura provided key takeaways and actionable steps toward addressing the Philippines’ housing backlog. Emphasizing the commitment of Senator Risa Hontiveros to champion housing issues in her legislative agenda, Rapisura outlined a strategic approach to enhance the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. Key proposals include diversifying housing modalities, securing funding for SHFC, streamlining licensing and permitting for developers, and incorporating people’s plans and horizontal development strategies.

Furthermore, Rapisura announced plans for a collaborative workshop aimed at bridging microfinance institutions and developers, reflecting the summit’s consensus on the need for multi-sectoral cooperation. He also called for partnerships with Pag-IBIG Fund to expand financing options for prospective homeowners. Highlighting the importance of fair labor practices, Rapisura advocated for improved pay and benefits for construction workers, essential to the sector’s sustainability.

Committed to maintaining the momentum, Rapisura announced the decision to host annual summits to tackle the 6.5 million housing unit backlog, inviting all stakeholders to contribute to the collective effort of building sustainable, inclusive communities across the Philippines.

Empowering Urban Poor: The Imperative Integration of People’s Plans in 4PH Housing Program

In a compelling presentation at the 2nd socialized housing summit, Buboy Magahis highlighted the pressing need for incorporating people’s plans into the Philippines’ Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to address the nation’s housing crisis. Hosted by ACSent and SEDPI at Ateneo de Manila University, the summit brought together voices from various sectors to forge actionable paths toward resolving housing challenges.

Magahis, representing the grassroots organization Kilos Maralita, shared poignant narratives of families living in peril along riverbanks, emphasizing the transformative potential of people’s plans in crafting viable housing solutions. Through a video presentation, attendees witnessed firsthand the community’s journey from the brink of eviction to the realization of their right to dignified housing, underscoring the importance of their active participation in the planning process.

Central to Magahis’s message were the following recommendations to enhance the 4PH program:

  1. Integrate People’s Plan: Advocating for the inclusion of comprehensive people’s plans in 4PH, Magahis stressed the necessity of community involvement in housing projects, ensuring that the solutions are tailored to the actual needs and capabilities of the urban poor.
  2. Provide Capital Subsidy: Recognizing the financial limitations of the target beneficiaries, he suggested that the government should offer a capital subsidy to reduce the loan amount, making it more accessible for low-income families to secure housing under the socialized housing bracket.
  3. Develop Multi-Use Spaces: Magahis proposed the inclusion of commercial spaces within housing developments to generate additional income. This innovative approach would enable homeowners to fund the maintenance of their buildings, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the housing projects.
  4. Site Development as Counterpart of Local Government Units To further reduce the cost of construction, local government units should shoulder site development so that this is not passed on to the homeowners making the houses more affordable.
  5. Facilitate a One-Stop-Shop for Requirements Processing: To streamline the often cumbersome process of acquiring housing, a unified platform for processing all necessary requirements was recommended, simplifying access for potential beneficiaries.
  6. Explore Rental Housing Concepts: Acknowledging the diversity of the urban poor’s financial capacities, he called for the development of rental housing models to accommodate those unable to afford home ownership.
  7. Institutionalize Property Management in Socialized Housing: To ensure the effective management of housing estates and the generation of income for maintenance needs, Magahis emphasized the importance of community involvement and management through institutionalizing property management in housing plans.

Magahis’s presentation at the summit served as a powerful call to action, urging policymakers, developers, and community leaders to recognize the vital role of the urban poor in shaping their housing futures. As the Philippines grapples with a significant housing backlog, the integration of people’s plans in the 4PH program emerges as a crucial step toward building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban communities.

The Imperative Integration of People’s Plans in 4PH Housing Program

Pag-IBIG’s Response to the Deep Socialized Housing Shortage: GLAD Program and Countryside Housing Initiatives

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit held at the Ateneo de Manila University, Pag-IBIG’s Chief Executive Officer, Marilene Acosta, highlighted the drastic drop in socialized housing production for 2023 and outlined the institution’s strategic initiatives to address this pressing concern.

Acosta reported a distressing figure, revealing that in 2023, the production of socialized housing units plummeted to a critical low, with only 11,257 units built out of the half a million needed. This gap exacerbates the cumulative housing deficit of approximately 7 million units, underlining a national crisis that demands urgent and innovative solutions. The chief executive reflected on the stark reality of informal settlements scattered across the nation’s cities, often situated in hazardous locations, and pondered on the failure to provide adequate housing solutions to the urban populace.

As a response to this shortfall and the clamor for horizontal development, especially in rural areas, Pag-IBIG is championing the GLAD (Group Land Acquisition and Development) program. Acosta reminisced about her tenure as manager of Pag-IBIG’s Baguio Regional Office, where she spearheaded several GLAD projects, facilitating groups like public school teachers to acquire and develop land for their housing needs. This program represents a beacon of hope for rural communities where title properties are scarce and high-priced.

In contrast to the 4PH program’s inclination towards vertical development, Pag-IBIG’s countryside housing program offers an alternative that resonates with Filipinos’ preference for ground-level dwellings. The program engages in public-private partnerships to stimulate housing development across various regions, aligning with the traditional Filipino aspiration for homes nestled in community-centric environments.

Despite the challenges, Pag-IBIG’s commitment to increase the inventory of socialized housing is unwavering. In 2024, Pag-IBIG pledged an allocation of ₱250 billion to fund the 4PH program, catalyzing the development and construction of housing units. Acosta proudly showcased the successful completion of pilot projects in Bacolod and Palayan City, setting the stage for forthcoming projects that are anticipated to provide around 18,000 families with new homes.

Furthermore, Acosta shed light on Pag-IBIG’s Community Housing Initiative program, inviting cooperation from various social enterprises, civil societies, microfinance institutions, and cooperatives to facilitate homeownership. This initiative is designed as a public-private partnership aimed at extending Pag-IBIG’s housing loan program to the underserved, thus embracing a more inclusive approach to housing development.

Emphasizing the importance of affordable housing finance, Acosta also discussed Pag-IBIG’s Acquired Asset Disposal Program, offering up to a 40% discount on bulk purchases to organizations helping their members acquire homes. This program is not only about providing a roof but also about instilling pride and a sense of community among the beneficiaries.

Acosta’s presentation concluded with an invitation to further strengthen collaborations to develop more inclusive housing programs, ensuring that every Filipino can access affordable and dignified shelter. She affirmed Pag-IBIG’s readiness and willingness to support the dream of homeownership, urging the summit’s attendees to consider Pag-IBIG as a partner in building sustainable communities for future generations.

The summit, orchestrated by ACSent and SEDPI on March 18-19, 2024, underscored the pivotal role of strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions in bridging the significant housing gap, highlighting Pag-IBIG’s crucial role in this nationwide effort.

Citihub Founder Panya Boonsirithum Advocates for Affordable Urban Housing at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

In a striking presentation at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, held on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, Panya Boonsirithum, the founder of Citihub, shared his visionary approach to addressing Metro Manila’s housing crisis. Organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), the summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to tackle the challenges of socialized housing in the Philippines.

Boonsirithum, through his social enterprise, Citihub, highlighted the profound disparity between the burgeoning population of Metro Manila, which swells from 12.8 million at night to 15 million during the day, according to the 2015 NSO Census. This phenomenon exacerbates the city’s homelessness and housing inadequacy, particularly for low-income workers who commute daily to the metropolis’s economic hubs such as Makati, Pasay, and the Port Area of Tondo.

Citihub’s innovative solution, the “POP-UP Mobile Dormitory,” aims to provide affordable, dignified, and environmentally sustainable housing for these workers. For a remarkably low fee of P99 per day (or P2,995 per month), residents can enjoy bed accommodations inclusive of power and water, fully air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and round-the-clock security with CCTV. Additionally, residents benefit from complimentary rice and mineral water, further alleviating their living costs.

Boonsirithum’s vision for Citihub is bold and clear: to eradicate homelessness in Metro Manila by establishing a Citihub in every city within the metropolitan area. By doing so, Citihub aims to be a for-profit social enterprise that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of urban housing while addressing the pressing need for affordable accommodations.

The growth plans of Citihub are ambitious, aiming to establish a hub in each of the 16 cities of Metro Manila. This expansion strategy underscores Citihub’s commitment to widespread social impact, emphasizing the enterprise’s dual focus on environmental stewardship and social progress.

Boonsirithum’s message to the summit attendees was one of inspiration and action. He urged everyone to champion causes that contribute to the nation’s development and to take an active role in building the future. Citihub’s project serves not only as a testament to what can be achieved through innovation and social entrepreneurship but also as a call to action for other stakeholders to explore and implement solutions that provide sustainable, affordable housing.

The summit, organized by ACSent and SEDPI, provided a valuable platform for sharing ideas, strategies, and success stories like Citihub’s. By bringing together government agencies, private sector partners, social enterprises, and civil society allies, the event aimed to forge a collaborative network dedicated to ensuring accessible, sustainable, and dignified housing for every Filipino. Boonsirithum’s presentation at the summit reinforced the critical role of innovative approaches and public-private partnerships in bridging the gaps in the housing sector and building futures through innovating solutions.

OSHDP Advocates for Robust Partnerships and Data-Driven Strategies in Socialized Housing

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, held at the Ateneo de Manila University on March 18-19, 2024, Engr. Marcelino Mendoza of the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines Inc. (OSHDP) provided an in-depth look at the vital role mass housing developers play in addressing the country’s urgent housing needs. Organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), the summit brought together key stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions to the housing crisis.

Mendoza shared heartwarming success stories, highlighting the transformative impact of socialized housing on beneficiaries, such as Angelie Mabulay, a visually impaired individual who, despite initial setbacks, successfully acquired a home through OSHDP’s intervention. These stories not only showcase the organization’s dedication but also emphasize the power of resilience and community support in overcoming adversity.

As OSHDP continues to champion “growth through dignified, decent, and affordable housing,” Mendoza outlined several forward-looking strategies to enhance the sector’s efficiency and responsiveness. A critical area of focus is addressing the significant data gap regarding the inventory of idle government land that could be utilized for socialized housing. Mendoza advocated for a more systematic approach to identifying and allocating these lands to maximize their potential for housing development.

Public and private partnerships were underscored as a cornerstone for advancing socialized housing initiatives. Mendoza called for strengthened collaborations between government agencies, private developers, and non-governmental organizations to pool resources, expertise, and capacities for more significant impact. Such partnerships could lead to innovative housing models that cater to the diverse needs of low-income families while ensuring sustainability and community resilience.

Another crucial area highlighted was the need for a transparent and equitable beneficiary selection and identification process. Mendoza proposed the development of a more structured queuing system to ensure fairness in allocating housing units and to prioritize those most in need. Additionally, the importance of social preparation prior to purchase was stressed, suggesting that potential homeowners be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for property and estate management to foster long-term success and community well-being.

In closing, Engr. Mendoza’s presentation at the summit served as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in socialized housing. By addressing data gaps, fostering public and private partnerships, and ensuring the equitable selection of beneficiaries, the sector can move closer to its goal of providing affordable, dignified, and decent housing for every Filipino family. The insights shared by Mendoza and other speakers at the summit underscore the urgent need for collective efforts to solve the housing crisis, bridging gaps through innovation, collaboration, and shared expertise.

Gawad Kalinga Ateneo Unveils Success in Building Communities at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Ms. Norlie Corneby of Gawad Kalinga Ateneo shared a profound narrative of community transformation and resilience, illustrating the organization’s triumphs in socialized housing. Held on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, the summit, organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the critical issues surrounding socialized housing in the Philippines.

Gawad Kalinga’s journey in community building, as presented by Ms. Corneby, showcased various successful projects across the nation, including Payatas Trese Blue Eagle Village in Quezon City, Kalayaan Village in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, and several others in Cavite and Nueva Ecija. Each project highlighted Gawad Kalinga’s commitment to not only provide homes but also foster communities where dignity, safety, and hope flourish.

A pivotal aspect of Gawad Kalinga’s approach, as detailed in the presentation, is the meticulous family screening and qualifying process, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need them most. This process is rooted in a deep understanding of the beneficiaries’ circumstances, aspirations, and potential to contribute to the community’s growth.

Values formation stands at the core of Gawad Kalinga’s mission, underpinning the belief that sustainable development transcends the physical construction of houses. Through various programs, residents engage in activities that nurture values of responsibility, community, and shared purpose. The essence of “Bayanihan,” or communal unity and cooperation, was underscored as a key ingredient in the success of each project, demonstrating that the spirit of collective effort can overcome substantial challenges.

Ms. Corneby’s presentation vividly captured the transformative power of socialized housing when coupled with a holistic approach to community development. By integrating values formation and leveraging the Bayanihan spirit, Gawad Kalinga Ateneo has not only built houses but has also rekindled hope and catalyzed positive change in marginalized communities.

The 2nd Socialized Housing Summit served as an eye-opening reminder of the impactful work being done across the Philippines to address housing needs. Gawad Kalinga Ateneo’s experience provided attendees with invaluable insights into the potential of socialized housing projects to transform lives and landscapes.

SHFC Aims to Transform Lives with Resilient Communities Amid Housing Challenges

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit held at Ateneo de Manila University, Atty. Junefe G. Payot from the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) presented an approach to combat the Philippines’ housing backlog through resilient community-driven projects. Amidst a critical period where the production of socialized housing units plummeted to an all-time low in 2023, SHFC’s innovative strategies come as a beacon of hope for low-income Filipino families.

The SHFC, a key shelter agency attached to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), has taken a front seat in implementing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. This initiative aims to eradicate the housing backlog by fostering community-guided programs that not only provide homes but also uplift the quality of life for the impoverished sectors, both formal and informal.

Payot elaborated on the legal frameworks underpinning the right to adequate housing, emphasizing the government’s constitutional commitment to ensure affordable housing and basic services to underprivileged citizens. The presentation highlighted the importance of security of tenure, availability of services, affordability, and habitability as minimum elements for adequate housing, aligning with both national and international human rights treaties.

In addressing the urban housing crisis, SHFC has championed the vertical housing approach, a solution designed to maximize limited urban spaces while providing more housing units than traditional horizontal developments. This method not only tackles the scarcity and high cost of urban land but also prevents uncontrolled urban sprawl, contributing positively to environmental sustainability. Payot cited several ongoing SHFC projects, including those in Pasay City, Bulacan, Valenzuela City, Naic, Cavite, and Quezon City, showcasing the diverse benefits of strategic location, self-contained communities, livelihood opportunities, green and walkable spaces, and flexible design choices.

The SHFC projects stand as self-contained communities, offering residents access to essential amenities, recreational spaces, and livelihood opportunities, thereby fostering local economic development and social capital. These initiatives not only aim to provide shelter but also to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for vulnerable groups. Ongoing projects in key urban areas like Tondo and San Miguel, Manila; San Fernando City, Pampanga; Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental; and Calinan, Davao City, underline SHFC’s commitment to addressing the urban housing need comprehensively.

However, the journey towards resolving the housing crisis is fraught with challenges. Payot called for government support in various forms, including adjustments to the socialized housing price ceiling, maintenance of affordable interest rates for homebuyers, and encouragement of private sector participation in policy creation for the 4PH Program. These measures, along with an updated Housing Industry Roadmap, are critical for guiding both the government and private sector efforts in fulfilling the nation’s housing needs.

As the organizers, ACSent and SEDPI, convened the summit on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, the event underscored the urgency of collaborative efforts in surmounting the housing challenges. SHFC’s vision of transforming lives through resilient communities offers a promising path forward, highlighting the indispensable role of innovative housing solutions in building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all Filipinos.

DENR’s Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa Outlines Land Titling Reform at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

The second day of the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, co-organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI) on March 18-19, 2024, at Ateneo de Manila University, featured Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa, Assistant Director of the DENR – Land Management Bureau. His presentation provided an essential overview of the challenges and proposed reforms in the land titling process, a critical step in addressing the Philippines’ housing crisis.

Verzosa began by outlining the mandate of the Land Management Bureau under Executive Order No. 192, emphasizing the role of the DENR in surveying, disposition, and administration of public Alienable and Disposable (A&D) lands. He stressed the adherence to the Regalian Doctrine, enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which posits that all natural resources are owned by the State, excluding agricultural lands from alienation.

A primary concern highlighted in Verzosa’s presentation was the need for agricultural land classification before titling, with nearly half of the Philippines’ land resources designated as agricultural. He explained the titling process and the modes of acquiring public A&D lands, including Free Patent, Homestead, Sales Patent, and Special Patent, under the Public Land Act.

In a compelling part of his talk, Verzosa detailed the improvements in the agricultural free patent process through Republic Act No. 11573 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), providing avenues for citizens to secure land rights. He underscored the streamlined process for acquiring residential free patents under RA 10023, facilitating easier access for Filipino citizens to residential lands.

One of the most insightful portions of Verzosa’s presentation focused on the challenges and proposed solutions for land titling, notably addressing the data gap in inventorying idle government land for socialized housing. He called for strengthened public and private partnerships to leverage resources for housing development. Additionally, the importance of establishing a fair and orderly beneficiary selection and queuing system was emphasized.

The talk also shed light on the vital steps before land can be awarded, such as social preparation and the bolstering of property and estate management institutions, ensuring that beneficiaries are well-prepared for homeownership.

The summit provided a platform for Verzosa to share the way forward, including tackling procedural bottlenecks and reinforcing the partnership between DENR and other government entities to support the issuance of Special Patents for public uses.