Manila: The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) is fast-tracking housing projects under its Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP).
According to Philippines News Agency, SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa stated in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview that the aim is to approve 34 projects by October this year. As of now, 14 projects have been approved this month, with six more scheduled for approval this week. Laxa noted that they are averaging two to three project approvals per week but emphasized the need to accelerate this pace.
The ECMP is an improved version of the 37-year-old Community Mortgage Program (CMP). It not only provides land ownership to informal settlers but also addresses community infrastructure needs such as roads, drainage, water, and electricity. This makes the projects more transformative for residents.
The SHFC, in collaboration with Department of Human Settlement and Development Secretary Jose Aliling, conducts site inspections. These inspections help SHFC engage directly with beneficiaries to ensure the program meets their actual needs. Laxa highlighted that the improvements are made in the residents' current locations to maintain their livelihoods and family stability.
Additionally, SHFC is implementing vertical housing projects in cities like San Juan, San Fernando in Pampanga, Davao, and the town of Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental. These projects aim to provide low-income families with modern, accessible housing options. The agency also coordinates with organizations like Water.org and Unconnected.org to provide essential amenities, internet access, and livelihood programs.
Regarding eligibility, Laxa stressed the importance of communities being organized as a homeowners association or cooperative and being united in their housing request. He clarified that once a beneficiary receives housing, they cannot reapply, though new family units may qualify separately.
Laxa mentioned that many CMP projects have already been approved, and efforts will continue until the target of 34 CMP projects benefiting over five thousand beneficiaries is reached. He also emphasized the ongoing implementation of other projects for citizens in the lower income deciles who need housing.
