Creba-Cebu vows to uphold two-fold role in real estate

CEBU, Philippines — The Chamber of Real Estate & Builders Association (CREBA) Cebu chapter commits to uphold the national organization’s mandate of constructing both homes and communities.

Creba-Cebu chapter president Catherine Cusi made this pledge during the Cebu chapter’s General Membership meeting and induction of new officers and board of directors held on May 16, 2024, at Seda Ayala Center Cebu.

In his speech, Creba National president Noel Toti M. Cariño said the role of the chamber underscores the property sector’s two-fold role in building homes and communities.

“First, it is a business endeavor. On the other hand, it is a social responsibility that calls for excellence, integrity, and honesty in all home-buying transactions,” Cariño said in his speech read by the organization’s vice president for finance Pablo Panlilio Jr.

“As real estate developers and professionals, we are in the business of building dreams for people,” Cariño told Creba-Cebu members.

Cusi noted that all Creba chapters are working on the national organization’s goal of providing a “Home for every Filipino,” and addressing the country’s housing backlog.

“I hope they (developers) will also commit themselves to providing buyers or homeowners a livable and decent living,” Cusi said.

With chapters nationwide dedicated to this cause, the organization strives to bridge the gap between developers and aspiring homeowners, fostering a society where housing is not just a commodity but a fundamental right.

Cusi also urged developers to remain committed to helping the government provide decent housing to Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Panlilio said Creba will also continue to lobby for measures that would provide ease to developers in doing business such as a gradual increase of zonal values of properties and retaining the value-added tax on property sales.

“We have to find the middle ground so both sides will be satisfied. Find a win-win situation,” noted Panlilio.

Panlilio inducted the new Creba-Cebu set of officers namely; Serafin Blanco (Chairman), Catherine Cusi (President), Raul Mananquil (Vice President), Sharon Ong (Secretary), Marissa Inting (Treasurer), and Board Members Renato Avila, Roberto Paca?a, Anthony Noel, and Harold Vince See.

Meanwhile, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Julius G. Neri Jr., the guest speaker during the event, briefed Creba Cebu members on the airport’s performance.

Neri said that while the airport has yet to attain its maximum potential, it continues to post growth in passenger traffic.