The annual CREBA national convention is held in the month of October, declared by government as the “National Housing Month.” It serves as CREBA’s major year-end activity designed to foster fellowship and networking among members, generate business interaction among CREBAns and their business counterparts, as well as discuss workable measures to address the myriad housing concerns.
This year’s theme, “A Home for Every Filipino: Turning Dreams into Reality” embodies CREBA’s FIVE-POINT AGENDA FOR HOUSING, a package of inter-related policy and legislative reform proposals in pursuit of its relentless advocacy in ensuring that every Filipino is able to live a full and happy life in a home he can call his own.
Three major issues need to be effectively and jointly addressed in order to curb the country’s at least 5.5 million housing backlog: LAND, GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE.
Hence, the 5-Point Agenda aims to provide long-term and affordable funds for socialized and economic housing; affordable homes in urban areas nationwide; equitable allocation of lands for human settlements, agriculture and the environment; efficient local government housing regulations; and the creation of a housing and urban development department to provide housing concerns the attention it deserves at the highest level of government.
Since its inception in 1973, the Chamber has taken up the cudgels for Philippine real estate and housing on the legislative and policy fronts to shape public and private programs in all income groups particularly for the millions who do not yet have a home of their own. To this day, CREBA unrelentingly aims for greater focus on housing concerns by government in accordance with a well-planned and holistic approach.
While the Chamber can take pride in what it has done for more than forty years, it continues to draw its attention to the challenges of the real estate and housing industry – pushing for reforms, drawing up significant proposals and mustering the strength to push our plans forward into veritable action.
Today, CREBA is at the crossroads of facing the challenges of the past, and the new ones as well, ever so vigilant in its dream to see the dawning of the age of shelter security for all Filipinos. Its initiatives and advocacies have been consistently focused not just on the interest of its members, but also on enabling the millions of homeless families to acquire decent, affordable homes.
The National Convention has always been known for its unprecedented initiatives in support of national housing and development goals. The event also beams with excellent opportunities in the framework of private sector and government cooperation.
All roads lead to this premiere event where industry players will converge to plan, work and collaborate on issues that directly and indirectly impact the real estate and housing development business.
Let’s make dreams happen as we all help provide a home for every Filipino. Come and be part of CREBA’s 25th Annual Convention, October 12-15, 2016, in Baguio City!
Published in the Manila Bulletin June 2016
