Tag: housing

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.

Socialized Housing Production Hits Record Low,SHDA Highlights Compliance Challenges at Housing Summit

During the enlightening 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Santiago F. Ducay from the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) presented a concerning update on the state of socialized housing in the Philippines. The year 2023 saw the production of socialized housing units plummet to a historic low since 2001, with only 10,113 units completed. This stark decline underscores the growing challenges developers face in adhering to the mandated socialized housing construction requirements, leading many to opt for alternative compliance methods.

Ducay’s presentation at the summit, organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI) on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, highlighted the legal framework governing socialized housing development. Despite the clear mandates outlined in Republic Act No. 7279, also known as the “Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992,” and subsequent amendments, the actual construction of socialized housing has been fraught with obstacles. These challenges have prompted developers to favor incentivized compliance via escrow, a method that, while legally permissible, does not directly contribute to increasing the stock of socialized housing units.

The summit delved into the nuances of the compliance mechanisms available to developers, including joint ventures with local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs), development of new settlements, and participation in community mortgage programs. However, the preference for the escrow option points to a need for a more streamlined and less burdensome compliance process that encourages direct investment in the construction of socialized housing.

Ducay also addressed the critical issue of the socialized housing price ceiling adjustments, noting that the last revision in 2018 has not kept pace with the rising costs of construction and land acquisition. This gap further complicates developers’ ability to deliver affordable housing units to low-income families, exacerbating the housing crisis.

In light of these challenges, SHDA’s presentation called for government intervention to facilitate easier compliance and encourage more developers to invest directly in socialized housing projects. Suggestions included revising the price ceiling for socialized housing, offering tax incentives, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles that currently deter developers from undertaking socialized housing projects.

The 2nd Socialized Housing Summit served as a crucial platform for stakeholders across the housing sector to converge, share insights, and discuss innovative solutions to the pressing housing needs of Filipinos. With the collaboration of ACSent and SEDPI, the summit underscored the importance of collective efforts in addressing the affordability and accessibility of housing in the Philippines, especially for the marginalized and low-income populations. The historic low in socialized housing production highlights an urgent call to action for both the government and the private sector to reevaluate and enhance their strategies for fulfilling the nation’s housing needs.

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.

Understanding the housing crisis in the Philippines

Housing in the Philippines is a topic that doesn’t just hit close to home – it IS home. Sadly, it’s a topic also rife with serious issues. As of 2018, there were over 6 million units of housing backlog in our country, a staggering statistic stemming from the twin demons of unaffordable housing and inadequate access to housing funds.
 
Housing deficit crisis
 
To better comprehend the gravity of the situation, it’s important to first understand what “socialized housing” means. These are homes priced at a maximum of PhP580,000, an attempt to accommodate those of us who may not have much leeway in our budgets.
 
But here’s the rub: data from the HLURB, HUDCC, and Center for Research and Communication paint a bleak picture. The demand for housing in the socialized and economic segments outstrips supply, resulting in deficits of over 663,283 and a staggering 1,962,077 units, respectively. The story isn’t much better in the low-cost segment, with a deficit of 462,160. the housing crisis in the Philippines
Market segmentHousing demandHousing supplySurplus (Deficit)
Socialized1,143,048479,765(663,283)
Economic2,503,990541,913(1,962,077)
Low-cost704,406242,246(462,160)
Mid-cost72,592322,995250,403
High-cost18,235242,246224,011
Why the discrepancy? Simply put, it’s business. Developers are more attracted to the mid and high-end market segments, where profits are more lucrative. Low-cost and socialized housing come with thinner margins, making the recovery of costs for essential infrastructure challenging.
 
Beyond construction: Comprehensive solutions to the housing crisis
 
Coming to terms with the scale of our housing problem can be daunting, to say the least. However, as a social development worker who has seen these challenges unfold over the past 20 years, I believe that seeking market-based solutions alone won’t cut it. The scale of the problem is so vast that it calls for concerted, strategic efforts from both public and private sectors.
 
The good news? The government has already taken steps towards bridging the housing gap. With a target of constructing one million new houses every year from 2022 to 2028, the journey towards providing homes for every Filipino family has already begun.
 
However, this ambition should be complemented with strategic initiatives that go beyond just construction of houses. Government subsidies should be extended towards building essential infrastructure for socialized, economic and low-cost housing, such as roads, drainage systems, and more. This not only aids in the development of the housing units but also ensures that these communities are livable and sustainable in the long run.
 
Furthermore, incentives should be extended to developers and other market players who are willing to venture into the socialized and low-cost housing market. These incentives could be in the form of tax breaks and less stringent document requirements for subdivision development, encouraging more participation in these crucial market segments.
 
Lastly, financing subsidies should be extended to first-time homebuyers. For instance, Pag-IBIG has a 3% interest rate for socialized housing. Banks and other financial institutions could also extend this same rate, with the balance compared to the prevailing market rate subsidized by the government. This financial assistance could be the key to unlocking the doors of homeownership for many Filipinos.
 
Turning dream into reality: A call for coordinated effort
 
The road to providing homes for every Filipino family is a long one, and fraught with many challenges. But with coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, private sector, and each one of us, we can turn this dream into a reality.  It’s not just about owning a house, but about building a home, a community, and ultimately, a nation.