The government is continuously challenged to provide proper housing for the country’s low-income population. Many Filipinos are forced to live in inhabitable dwellings, while struggling to uphold their dignity. Thus, non-government organizations together with the private sector, have extended a helping hand in providing housing solutions for the poor.
To answer the call of socialized housing, Republic Cement Services, Inc. (“Republic Cement”) has partnered with several micro finance institutions (MFIs), to help Filipinos who live in poverty improve their lives thru well-constructed and affordable houses.
Through the partnership, MFIs such as TSPI, ASKI, and NWTF provide financial assistance—through affordable loans— of which its members can use to upgrade or extend their existing homes or finance the construction a new core unit. While, Republic Cement shares its construction expertise by providing technical advice, to assist stakeholders in building typhoon and disaster-resilient homes complete with functional sanitary facilities. Republic Cement also trains the assigned field officers and foremen and guides project technical coordinators to make sure that houses are built to industry standards.
Filipinos looking forward to a stable future
In the community of Brgy. Dalig in Antipolo City, the partnerships between Republic Cement and MFIs have succeeded in improving the homes of simple Filipinos. Amada Jacobe, a local fried chicken vendor, was one of the many who subscribed and greatly benefitted from the housing loan and construction program.
In 2010, Jacobe was encouraged by her cousin to join and enroll in the project, with the purpose of installing tiles in one of her bathrooms. Since then, she procured five more loans—including wall plastering and ultimately converting their house into a two-storey home—which she believes positively impacted her family’s way of life, as well as the community they belong in.
“I grew up in poverty without a suitable home and when I learned about the TSPI’s loaning program, in partnership with Republic Cement, I quickly applied for a membership,” said Jacobe. “I received five grants through the years and with proper construction, consultation, and affordable loans, we now have a durable and safe two-storey home that has provided a much-needed enhancement in our family’s situation. In effect, more community members have also singed-up for loans.”
Carmen Gimao, a widowed street sweeper from Bicutan in Taguig, realized the practicality of applying for a housing loan which also provides quality construction advice; rather than just receiving monetary loans. “Before I relied solely on monetary loans which I though provided for affordable and reasonable weekly rates to make ends meet,” said Gimao. However, she realized that borrowing money from Republic Cement and TSPI is “… better than only borrowing money, because with Republic Cement and TSPI, you’ll see where the money goes. They not only provide for financing, but also quality building materials and give you technical advice in planning the construction of your home.”
The partnerships forged by Republic Cement with its MFI partners helped address the country’s housing situation by offering financing, quality building materials and technical advice to build innovative, safe, affordable, and durable homes. These initiatives are welcome solutions to the country’s socialized housing problem which will ultimately uplift the lives of Filipinos. ADVT.