De Venecia cites housing programs at CREBA meet

House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will talk on the government’s housing program during the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Associations (CREBA) monthly business meeting tomorrow, May 27 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

De Venecia will induct the 2004 officers and board trustees of the CREBA Social Housing Foundation led by president Efren "Choy" L. Alas and chairman Rosemarie C. Basa, it was announced by CREBA national president Purita R. Soliven and VP-internal Editha L. Manansala. The Speaker will be introduced by Rep. Eduardo C. Zialcita (Parañaque City).

One of the principal exponents of the government’s housing program for the people, the Speaker is expected to discuss the role of legislative department in pushing the shelter program for the homeless.

De Venecia was thrice elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, his present term with the highest mandate in history of Philippine legislative. He authored a spate of vital economic, social and financial reform laws and spearheaded the passage of some 200 others that created a modest economic miracle in the country amid an Asian crisis. He served as a diplomat and a peace-maker reaching out to Muslim secessionists, military rebels, and communist insurgents. He helped forge the peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Other CSHFI officers and board trustees are Pedro C. Tario, chairman emeritus; Sammy G. Valencia, executive vice-president; Jerry M. Navarrete, VP-finance; Florante C. Ofrecio, VP-internal affairs; Francisco G. Flameño Jr., VP-external affairs; Robert Marie C.Sy, secretary and board trustee; Teresita C. Millan, treasurer and board trustee; Francisco J. Buencamino, Jaime A. Cura, Renato P. Dragon, Lina B. Maceda, Manuel H. Torres, Delfin J. Wenceslao Jr., and Eugene C. Yu, trustees; Demetrio L. Posadas., immediate past president; Porthos P. Almajose and Techie P. Bautista, presidential advisers; Jeanne G. Menguito, auditor; Catherine D. Yulo, executive director; and Lorna Verano Yap and Roger M. Garcia Jr., press relations officers. Service awards will be presented by Alas, Basa and Soliven to past CSHFI presidents.