Negros impact coalition aims to build 10,000 houses by 2024

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Impact Coalition is targeting to build 10,000 houses in the province by 2024.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, along with Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, Ayala Corporation president Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Habitat for Humanity International area vice president Rick Hathaway, Hilti Foundation chief executive officer and director for Economic Empowerment Werner Wallner, Habitat Philippines chief operating officer Lili Fuentes, Habitat Board Member Raoul Benedicto, and Base Balay Foundation Maricen Jalandoni led the launching of the Negros Impact Coalition held at Maritess Alava-Yong Village Katuwang community in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City last Monday.

The coalition seeks to bring experts in four identified strategies such as housing quality, site development and city planning, financing for low cost housing, and community cohesion that will build 10,000 houses in 50 locations across the province in the next five years.

It is convened by the Habitat for Humanity and the Hilti Foundation and it seeks to align all its efforts to the provincial government and their shelter plans for the province.

At present, 86 houses have been occupied and 46 houses were already turned over. These houses are duplex type and have a lot area of 27 square meters.

The coalition chose Negros as venue for their low-cost housing development because of the strong support from the government and the community.

Members of the coalition include Habitat for Humanity, Hilti Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Ayala Land, ASA Philippines, ARUP, BASE, BeneTerra, Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), Joly Foundation, The Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental. They also signed a pledge of solidarity during an evening program at Seda Capitol Central here.

The members of the coalition are tasked to ensure the housing units are disaster resilient and of high quality, and to also ensure achievement of inclusive and responsible site development, city, and land use of planning.

Developers who are committed to supporting families in need of decent housing through the balanced housing act, and through the transferring of expertise from the Habitat’s Terwilliger Center will assist in providing the 10,000 families to have access to the resources they need to acquire decent homes.

Ayala Foundation, Joly Foundation and the CCL through a grassroots approach for community-based programs will help build thriving communities equipped for self-governance. These include providing the community with opportunities that enhance skills, leadership, and economic development.

Moreover, a multi-purpose center at Barangay E. Lopez was also turned over to the community represented by the Homeowners Association President Jovie Valenzuela.

For his part, Lacson commended all the collaborating organizations and companies for building sustainable communities and decent shelter for families in the province.

“I am just glad that the coalition provides not just shelters but holistic and sustainable communities that promote inclusive growth and sustainable human development with special attention to those living in vulnerable zones by providing resilient houses,” the governor said.

He also emphasized the importance of partnership between the government and the private sector especially in a developing country like the Philippines.