MANILA, Philippines - Leading real estate services and advisory firm CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Philippines joined Habitat for Humanity Philippines recently in leading community change in Navotas City by building homes for families who got displaced by last year’s Typhoon Pedring.
Apart from providing funds for the housing project, top management officials and employee volunteers from CBRE Philippines also participated in the “Youth Build 2012” event held last May 12 in Barangay Tanza, Navotas City.
“An eminent author once said there is no disaster that can’t become a blessing. We welcome this unique opportunity to reach out and touch the lives of those who were displaced by the recent typhoons,” said Rick Santos, CBRE chairman and CEO said.
The Youth Build 2012 was the first youth-led disaster response relocation in the country. Under the program, over 2,000 volunteers led by 200 youth volunteers were asked to build houses in Navotas City and Cagayan de Oro City, simultaneously. A contingent of 1,000 volunteers was made to build 100 homes in Navotas for those who were affected by Typhoon Pedring. Over in Cagayan de Oro City, another 1,000 volunteers were also made to build houses for victims of Typhoon Sendong.
“With the Youth Build 2012, the Filipino youth are making a statement that they are also decision makers of the country, and that they are now deciding to build communities for disaster impacted families,” said Charlie Ayco, managing director and CEO of Habitat For Humanity Philippines.