Habitat partners with real estate developers

CEBU, Philippines —  The Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), a non-profit housing organization for the low-income generating families, launched its first real estate fair in Mandaue City last Friday afternoon.

HFHP Board member Dr. Edward Gaisano, HFHP COO Lili Fuentes, Greentech Development Corporation (GDC) CEO Kaiser Tan opened the fair through a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Pacific Mall.

The housing fair was dubbed as "Ang Real Estate Fair na May Puso" which ran from December 10 to December 16.

Several property developers participated in the housing fair such as the AboitizLand Inc., Mandani Bay, Priland Development Corporation, Amaia Land Corp., Softouch Property Development Corp., Primary Homes Inc., Eastland Property Ventures Inc., and Orchard Property Marketing Corp.

 After the ribbon cutting, the HFHP, the GDC, Dr. Gaisano, and Vicsal Foundation President and Chairman Marco Ang De Leon presented their signed memorandum of agreement, a proof of their partnership called "Home for a Home".

Fuentes said she is thankful for the partnership they have established with the various property developers to help the HFH in realizing their vision to build homes for the less privileged.

"These partnerships show that we share the same vision of building homes, communities, and hope for our fellow brothers and sisters," she said.

"Cebu has always been a priority of Habitat Philippines - we have the supportive Ambassadors and the Cebu Capital Campaign Cabinet. This group of business leaders are essential in Habitat’s growth in the region", she added.

For every house the Cebu-based property developer will be sold, the GDC will sponsor a Habitat home, while the portion of the rental fees from Cebu’s top real estate developers will be donated to fund Habitat Philippines projects.

Aside from the fair launching, the HFH also presented their "Coin bank for a Home".

The coin bank program, which was started three years ago, will continue in the succeeding years.

"The money that is raised through the coin bank will help provide homes for the most vulnerable. That's where we (will) use the funds there. All the money that habitat raises will go all to the projects and shelter and for the community development," Fuentes said.

De Leon, meanwhile, said that the coin banks are placed beside the store counters where people do their transactions.

"So that they can keep their spare change for a good cause," De Leon said.

Fuentes also said that this is just the start of creating a vision with their partner companies.

"With new partnerships, new sources, and new pledge of support, we hope to serve more people in the Visayas until everyone has a decent place to live," she said.

The fair was also in line with the 30th year of HFH in providing homes and communities for the vulnerable.

Cebu influencers including Slater Young, Kryz Uy, and Kenneth Cobonpue shared their stories of resilience through a video presentation. — MBG (FREEMAN)