Developer pushes solution for Cebu's informal settlers

CEBU, Philippines - In the midst of urbanization and booming real estate industry, a developer pushes for redevelopment of Cebu’s informal housing sector and be at par with other developing countries.

Serving as one of the speakers of the Cebu Business Month 2012 Emerging Industries Forum, Cebu Landmasters, Inc. President Jose Soberano pointed out that as Cebu is rapidly urbanizing, a neighborhood of informal settlers proliferates at the same time. 

He further described it as “picture of contrasts” since “the best is surrounded by the worst.”

He then encouraged other developers by saying that the private sector and not just the government can come up with a better solution for a better survival amid the urban decay.

In his presentation, Soberano cited four initiatives of the concept in redeveloping the informal housing sector.

In his first initiative, he said that countryside development should be supported with the common thrust to “move out from the center”.

He added that larger tracks of land which are available in affordable prices can be found in such areas like Naga, Consolacion, Balamban, Toledo, Compostela, and Danao.

He also noted that a residential location with a good business community can also entice the low and medium-income market, making it easy for them to relocate.

He also recommended developers to go vertical in the urban center at the same time, creating density and affordability outside the key cities.

“This is nobler aspect to have these informal settlers to relocate and it makes a lot of a business sense for me. It is a healthy balance of urbanized area vertical condominium project and horizontal condominium subdivision in the countryside. Definitely, this has to be pursued,” he said.

His second initiative involves the creation of awareness among the people concerned particularly the informal settlers who are “not familiar that the alternative outside is a lot better.”

He added that such concept is not a question of affordability since these residents even have the ability to purchase appliances and good food to feed themselves.

According to Soberano, the challenge for developers is to create a product of low-cost housing units to attract the particular market, giving them the option to have a sense of ownership when it comes to shelter.

Presenting his third initiative, he suggested the redevelopment of idle lands with consolidation by land owners.

He then cited the North Reclamation Area as a “good example”, describing the concept as “something worth pursuing” and a “profitable venture.”

He added that the industry should come up with a masterplan of an affordable housing community with all the infrastructure and facilities.

The fourth initiative that Soberano introduced during the forum was a concept of redevelopment plan applied in Dharavi, Mumbai that is considered to be one of the densely inhabited slum areas in India.

He noted that models in reapplying urban redevelopment should also be considered in the country to make Philippines a better place.

He then urged developers to reconsider the initiatives he had presented and arrive with a well-thought decision.

“Esteemed colleagues in business, we must start now. Either we want to join the ranks of slum-free countries or the likes of countries like Singapore, Hongkong and Malaysia or you just want to become just like other countries and be a status quo. That’s the choice you and I will be taking. I’m sure we all know the answer,” Soberano stated.  (FREEMAN)