Taguig socialized housing project cited as RP's best

MANILA, Philippines – Family Townhomes, a Taguig housing project which has benefited 535 families since being launched in 2006, won the 2009 Galing Pook Awards for socialized housing project, according to Mayor Freddie R. Tinga. "This award is a testament that the city government continues to strive to bring a more sustainable and balanced development to our constituents," Tinga said on Wednesday. "Needless to say, we are successful in making life better for the have’s and the have-not’s." Tinga hopes that an additional 242 housing units in Barangays Western Bicutan, Calzada-tipas, and Bagumbayan will be finished by the end of 2009. He said 843 housing units were scheduled for construction. The housing units have a monthly amortization of P500 to P950 for 30 years. Gawad Pook Foundation executive director Dr. Eddie Dorotan explained why the project was given the award. "What sets it apart is that it looks beyond building houses," Dorotan said. "More important, the program is anchored on community participation which creates a sense of ownership for its beneficiaries." Dorotan noted that Family Townhomes could be as good as commercial condominium units being sold by private developers. Each three-story building is equipped with 12 housing units, and uses innovations by Habitat for Humanity, such as the concrete interlocking blocks and steel frame technology. The Galing Pook Awards annually recognizes the best programs initiated by local governments. "This public housing initiative has become a success since earning participation and partnership from housing advocates such as Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity and the Coalition for the Homeless Foundation," Tinga said. - GMANews.TV