Safer homes uplift 200 Davao families
THE SOCIAL Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has approved about P20 million in loans for the resettlement of more than 200 families previously living in shanties along a river in Davao City as the agency continues to uphold its mandate to administer socialized housing programs amid the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
The provision of adequate housing is especially timely, given that viruses spread fast in congested informal settlements. The approval was made after the SHFC announced that it is suspending some of its ancillary activities for the year worth P21 million to help the government fund its programs to contain the pandemic.
“SHFC is embracing the new normal. This virus crisis will not prevent us in delivering services to the homeless and underprivileged Filipinos,” SHFC South Eastern Mindanao OIC- Vice President Lawrence Bañiso said. “The ap
proval of this project is a testament to our commitment.”
The loan will be used for the acquisition and development of around three hectares of land in Barangay Talomo River, Calinan District for the Green Hills Homeowners Association. It is financed under the Community Mortgage Program ( CMP), wherein lowincome families can borrow as a
community to buy the land they occupy or would like to relocate to.
Raquel Branzuela, the association’s president, welcomed the timely approval of their loan as it gave them comfort despite the virus crisis. The family of Branzuela and 208 others voluntarily demolished their houses built illegally along the Davao River in January 2019 to give way to a flood control
project of the Department of Public Works and Highways. They are currently staying in a temporary evacuation center in Barangay 1-A in Davao City, which is still under enhanced community quarantine.
The Green Hills initiative has the full backing of the Davao City government led by Mayor Sara Duterte. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/shfcph.