As legislators, government luminaries and a record number of real estate industry players and experts gathered to tackle housing issues, the public thronged to the booths of some 120 exhibitors during the 3-day CREBA National Convention and Housing Expo last September 26-28 at the SMX Convention Center and Conrad Hotel Manila.
The event, which received unprecedented financial support from 46 of the country’s top firms and financial institutions, capped the yearlong celebration of the chamber’s golden anniversary that highlighted its distinguished achievements over the last 50 years.
The exhibitors represented a large cross-section of firms engaged in residential development, banking and finance, technology, construction supplies manufacturing, interior design and other services.
The event organizers attributed the record turnout to the uptick in housing demand fueled by the bright economic outlook as the devastation of the 2-year COVID pandemic subsided.
Government dignitaries – led by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Senator Robynhood Padilla, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Presidential Adviser Frederick Go and Climate Change Commission Vice-Chair Robert Borje – while commending CREBA for its valuable contributions to economic and social progress, vowed to intensify efforts in resolving the various issues affecting the delivery of adequate housing to millions of Filipino families.
Meanwhile, the industry’s “golden boy” – multi-billionaire housing magnate and former Senate President Manny Villar – came out of semi-retirement to share his vision for CREBA and the industry for the next 50 years.
