Pabahay Caravan: "Sa pabahay, gaganda ang buhay"
In line with the thrust of building stronger partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) across the nation, Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chair Jejomar C. Binay initiated the conduct of Pabahay Caravans first in Cebu City then in Baguio City in March 7 and 8, 2011 and Tagaytay City on May 5 and 6, 2011 and the latest in Davao City on May 19 and 20, 2011.
"Strengthening Local Government Units (LGUs) in Housing Delivery and Local Development Planning" is the thematic message of the Pabahay Caravan which is usually attended by the heads and representatives of the major key shelter agencies like the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), National Housing Authority (NHA), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Pag-Ibig Fund, the Local Government Units/municipalities, private housing partners like CREBA, SHDA and OSHDP among others and other multi-stake holders and technical staff in the housing industry.
Pabahay Caravans are usually held for two days and each housing agency is assigned to sponsor and undertake all the necessary requirements/documents needed in the event. During the caravans, heads or representatives from the National Housing Authority like General Manager Atty. Chito M. Cruz, Assistant General Manager Froilan R. Kampitan, Ms. Maria Ana Oliveros, President of Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), Mr. Joseph Peter Sison, NHMFC President, Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, CEO of Home Development and Mutual Fund, Usec. Cecilia Alba, Secretary General of HUDCC, Atty. Wendel Avisado, Deputy Secretary General of HUDCC, Atty. Antonio Bernardo, CEO and Commissioner of HLURB present their agency's respective housing programs and services like resettlement assistance, local community mortgage and housing programs. Also, the caravans hold trainings to the involved LGUs / other multi-stakeholders in facilitating the implementation of housing programs in their areas of coverage.
Different issues and concerns of the LGUs are forwarded and presented for appropriate action by the concerned housing agencies during the open forum. Issues like comprehensive land use planning (CLUP), delays in titling, relocation and resettlement, housing production, livelihood and socio-economic problems are usually addressed and given resolution / clarifications.
Other events included in the Pabahay Caravans are awarding of Transfer Certificate of Titles (TCTs) to housing beneficiaries of Community Mortgage Program (CMP) by the SHFC and even by the NHA, under the Land tenure Assistance Program (LTAP) in Baguio City to mention a few.
Other topics tackled in the Caravans (second day), include geographic information system (GIS) / inventory lands by HLURB, local shelter planning, local housing bodies, pre and post proclamation issues and concerns and even disposition of NHMFC's acquired assets. These are informative as they facilitate implementation of the program by the concerned housing sector.
At the end of each caravan, the Vice-President usually holds photo ops and dialogue with representatives of the various homeowners associations, while agencies like NHMFC leads a dialogue with CREBA, OSHDP, among others.
The housing czar noted that under Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, LGUs are mandated to deliver quality and affordable homes to their constituents.