Better homes for their employees
It is one's dream to build or own a house. However, it is not easy to get one. The financial aspect of this can rather be a big challenge for many.
In a bid to provide better access to homes of employees of homegrown companies in Davao City, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) has entered a partnership with NCCC Malls and DMI Medical Supply (DMI) last December 2017 for the benefit low-income employees who are currently living in sub-standard houses or rented apartments.
The partnership between the homegrown companies and HFH will have the non-government organization (NGO) conduct a feasibility study for the construction of homes in lands that were identified by each company.
"Habitat for Humanity Philippines will conduct feasibility for an affordable housing program for the employees of these companies," said Mike Meaney, managing director of HFHP.
For her part, Lala Baldelovar, HFHP Area Manager for Corporate Engagements Resource Development, said the companies want to provide support to their employees who are in the low income bracket.
The signing of the memorandum of agreement for the feasibility study of the housing program is just the initial phase of the project.
"We will look into the socio-economic side of the project," Meaney said.
The feasibility study will include social preparation, a pre-entry activity for social marketing intervention; land due diligence; and conceptualization and design of NCCC Malls employee housing program.
The study will help determine the viability of a socially accepted housing project that will address the shelter needs of NCCC Malls & DMI employees which can be considered as a form of non-wage benefit that will increase the economic security of staff, improve worker retention and rewards high performing and loyal employees.
The project also aims to provide permanent, decent and affordable homes to 100 low-income employees of NCCC Malls and another 100 employees of DMI.
The target beneficiaries of the housing projects are regular employees who do not own houses and require housing support as established in the housing need survey; are qualified and eligible applicants of affordable housing program for low income group of Pag-ibig; and are beneficiaries of NCCC Malls and DMI’s non-wage benefits.
Baldelovar said they hope that the partnership will eventually turn into a long term project.
Once the six-month study is complete, HFHP will be presenting the design of the houses and the community to NCCC Malls and DMI.
Baldelovar said the project will not only be the construction of houses but they will also look into the possibility of putting up community centers in each site.
"We will perhaps develop a community center that would support the development and ensure that the residents will have a place to gather as a community," she said.
Baldelovar said HFHP and the two companies will determine as to which employees are qualified to avail of the housing program.
"We have a criteria as to who would be the beneficiaries. They need to be low income bracket employees; the companies have to make sure that theie beneficiaries would be willing to sign up with the program; and they are eligible employees," she said.
NCCC Malls and DMI will be providing the land and fully financing house construction, site development, social mobilization, and required community infrastructure.
Representatives of both companies said the beneficiaries will also have a part in the construction of the house and they are looking into a housing program that will allow the beneficiaries to affordably avail of their own homes.
These efforts from the companies in partnership with HFHP clearly shows their dedication and commitment to provide a comfortable home for the employees who have dedicated their service with them.
"We are not building houses, we are building homes. We are not building a settlement, we are building a community," Meaney said. RJL