Creativity needed to solve housing backlog
The government must think out of the box in its search for solution to the housing backlog, which officially stands at four million.
The country is clearly losing the battle against homelessness, and that requires a more creative approach to the problem. The government might consider constructing tenements for rent, in addition to single-detached houses for sale.
The government dutifully builds thousands of houses every year, but most people cannot afford to buy them. The reason is clear enough: the land upon which the houses are constructed has been purchased at a high price.
If you factor in the cost of building materials and the profit the contractor has to make, you’ll end up with houses that are anything but low-cost, although they are classified as such.
As a result the people for whom the houses are intended shy away.
We tend to equate squatters with seasonal construction workers and sidewalk vendors. But a quick survey of the slum areas will show that they host teachers and policemen as well. There are even bank tellers among them, even middle-line management personnel from the private sector.
A government study shows there are more than 600,000 squatter households nationwide, with Metro Manila hosting more than half of that number.
In other countries, government workers, even those occupying the lowest ranks, are classified middle class. In the Philippines, they live in the slums, with all the risks associated with that condition.
The government must review its policy on housing, especially with regard to the average income families. I propose that a joint executive-congressional commission be formed to look into the matter, of course in coordination with the real estate firms, housing development companies, and the urban poor.
April 21st, 2007 at 9:53 pm
i like the way you our country!!!go for it chiz!!!!
April 21st, 2007 at 9:54 pm
i like the way you wanted for our country!!!go for it chiz!!!!
April 21st, 2007 at 9:55 pm
your my number 1 senator…Wish you can do it!!!
April 30th, 2007 at 6:33 am
You’re the MAN!!!Say CHIZ!!!
May 11th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Senator chiz!!! goodluck
May 17th, 2007 at 4:59 am
Sir,binoto k nmin sure win k n!!!!!!!!congrats!!!!!!!!
May 17th, 2007 at 6:39 am
and all of these because of the widespread corruption in our government..i believe Mr Chiz that when you win the senaorial seat, you will be the man who will help put an end to this lingering problem..Godspeed Mr Chiz on all ur endeavors..
May 18th, 2007 at 1:13 am
well sir i have to agree with you that indeed there is housing problem in our country but i think it is not the price of the house per se but the individual income. how can one own a house with the kind of earnings many of us get? can hardly have food on the table, pay the hiking tuition fees, utility bills. the govt. can provide a decent house to the poor sector of the city, but will they be able to maintain the house? even granting a very low cost house. just thinking
May 18th, 2007 at 1:31 am
and sir why are there so many people in manila, kahit maayos ang tirahan sa probinsya lumuluwas dito at tumitira sa squatters’ area? because mas maraming job opportunities dito, why not deccentralize the resources at oppotunities. i mean build life outside the city and isupport din sana ng govt.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:11 am
Senator CHIZ, congrats,,keep up the good work,,dont stop believeng that impossible is nothing,,
June 7th, 2007 at 6:14 am
congratzzz!!! more power!!! gawin mo po lahat pra sa ikbbti ng pinas!!! at and2 lng kmi nksupport sau sa khit na anong laban pra sa ikauunlad ng ating bayn!!! GO! GO! GO! God Bless u…
June 16th, 2007 at 3:56 am
sen chiz, your goals for housing are noble but first is we have to consider jobs………
August 16th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
You’re the man!
February 5th, 2008 at 8:43 am
CHIZ For President! next president who will change the political era.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:28 am
suportado ko po kayo sir!
SALUTE!
February 16th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I believe that housing problems are tied with our workers’ disposable income, the availabiliy of job opportunities outside Metro Manila, mass transport system for people living in nearby provinces but working within the metropolis.
Wage earners simply can’t afford the housing units located within Metro Manila. And they’re not willing to relocate to low-cost housing outside metropolis because their source of livelihood is within the metro cities. It would be a different story if there will be a reliable mass transport system for workers living in nearby provinces and working within the metropolis.
Given the proper incentive, and a transparent and consistent government policies, any investor would see these problems as a great opportunity.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:17 pm
backlog?instead finding out ways to change this creativity please find more efficient way to improve EDUCATION! Mr.Chiz…good luck to you(always remind that good luck can also brings bad luck)…have faith
October 29th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Good words.