Small developers tap LGUs to fast track mass housing

In a bid to fast track the building of affordable housing projects across the country, the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines Inc., (OSHDP) has started to engage some local government units (LGUs).

In an interview with OSHDP president Marcelino Mendoza, he bared that the organization is now working on forging formal partnership agreements with 15 LGUs, in order to help cities and municipalities build capabilities in providing inexpensive decent houses for the low income segment.

In fact, during the recently concluded OSHDP National Convention, about 25 cities and municipalities in the Philippines participated in the event.

Mendoza said OSHDP is reaching out to the LGUs to capacitate them in their respective housing projects.

He mentioned the organization’s ongoing talks with the Mandaue City government as it announced its active stance in constructing housing facilities for its constituents.

Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing already announced the availability of P1 billion budget for socialized housing program of the City, of which only P230 million has been utilized so far due to lack of lands.

Initially, Mandaue City announced the construction of a 10-storey housing project, which recently held its ground breaking.

Mendoza also mentioned the existing partnership with Phinma Properties establishing the Southwestern Town in Cebu, in partnership with Cebu City government.

According to Mendoza, providing the urban poor community with decent homes in the form of rental housing would teach them to be responsible in rental obligations, at the same time solving the country’s problem on illegal settlers.

Mendoza said OSHDP would like to introduce this kind of project to LGUs across the country, as the organization’s way of helping the problem on mass housing.

He hopes that OSHDP will be able to work with more LGUs in the near term.— Ehda M. Dagooc