Tag: housing solutions

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.

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.

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.

Senator Risa Hontiveros Advocates for Innovative Social Housing Solutions at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

Manila, Philippines – At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit held at Ateneo de Manila University, Senator Risa Hontiveros delivered a compelling speech, outlining the dire need for innovative and inclusive solutions to the Philippines’ housing crisis. Addressing a gathering of developers, microfinance institutions, academes and housing advocates, Senator Hontiveros emphasized the dream of every Filipino to own a home, a dream currently threatened by the soaring costs of living.

In her address, the senator praised the collaborative efforts embodied in the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pamilyang Pilipino program (4PH), designed to offer affordable homes to low-income families. This initiative represents a partnership between the government, banks, and private companies, aiming to construct homes more sustainably and inclusively.

Highlighting the attractiveness of 4PH for private developers, Senator Hontiveros detailed the program’s innovative approach, including financial support from Pag-IBIG Fund, guaranteed buyers, swift payments, and legal incentives. These mechanisms are intended to stimulate the construction of affordable housing with minimal capital exposure for the private sector.

However, Senator Hontiveros did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing the 4PH program, including concerns over the equitable distribution of subsidies and the need for the program to genuinely reach the most needy. She called for a greater focus on marginalized communities, who are often bypassed or threatened by such housing initiatives.

The senator’s speech also underscored the potential for microfinance institutions and real estate developers to cooperate in housing construction and financing, provided a favorable and enabling environment is created. She cited a survey by the Microfinance Association of the Philippines, which found a high demand among clients for upgrading their homes through microfinance loans, revealing an untapped Php80 billion housing finance opportunity.

Senator Hontiveros championed the cause of incremental housing and low-cost, self-built housing as legitimate modes of compliance with the balanced housing law. She called on Secretary Acuzar and industry partners to support innovative materials and building techniques to ensure homes are both resilient and affordable.

The senator’s vision extends beyond financial and material aspects; it encompasses creating innovative business strategies and collaborations that make project models easily replicable. She stressed the importance of community, technology, and partnerships with government and industry to address the housing needs of Filipinos.

Senator Hontiveros’s speech at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together towards creating sustainable and inclusive housing solutions. By leveraging innovative financing, technology, and partnerships, there is hope for addressing the Philippines’ housing crisis, ensuring that the dream of home ownership becomes a reality for every Filipino.

As the summit continues, the insights shared by Senator Hontiveros serve as a catalyst for further discussions and initiatives aimed at overcoming the challenges in the housing sector. Her advocacy for equitable, innovative, and community-centered solutions highlights the urgent need for a collective effort in bridging the housing gap in the Philippines.