The Philippine Online Chronicles

Everyone has the right to adequate shelter, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. If so, then about 1.6 billion people living in substandard housing have been violated of their rights. More or less 4.5 million of these people are Filipinos. Worse, these figures might rise to about 40% in 2030 if the problem is left unsolved.

Today, October 4, 2010, the United Nations Habitat (UN-Habitat) celebrates World Habitat Day 2010. It is celebrated every first Monday of October. The event is not a fancy celebration but an awareness campaign “to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.” This year’s theme is Better City, Better Life, which focuses on urban dwelling.

More and more people choose to live in urban areas. In 2030, it is estimated that about 2.6 billion people in the world will be living in urban zones while about 2.2 billion people will be living in rural areas. Rapid urbanization means more demands for housing. But living in urban zones could still lead to “better life” only if “better cities” are built. That’s where participating for this celebration becomes important.

Almost all countries around the world are participating in the World Habitat Day. In the Philippines, Butter N Toast Toastmasters Club will be having presentations and speeches on October 14, 2010. Meanwhile, the Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG Fund) will help through information dissemination campaign.

The UN is not alone in homelessness awareness campaign. In the Philippines, October is also the National Shelter Month.

National Shelter Month: Gaganda ang Buhay sa Sariling Bahay

Since its proclamation in 1995, the National Shelter Month in the Philippines has been celebrated every October to join World Habitat Day. The Government recognizes that “housing is vital to the overall development of the country and the enhancement of the social, economic, and spiritual well-being” of Filipinos.

Collaborative efforts are needed to alleviate homelessness. And so, the government encourages the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Chamber of Real Estate Builders Associations, Inc. (CREBA), and Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. to build a strong alliance towards this goal.

During the last four years, the National Shelter Month was celebrated along with housing fairs. This year’s housing fair, themed “Gaganda and Buhay sa Sariling Bahay” (Life will be better in your own house), was held last October 1 to 3 at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Low-cost housing usually highlights the event. Lower interest rates, longer repayment period, and discounts for cash buyers are offered in this month-long celebration. The income requirement and qualification can be less stiff, too. This urges qualified families to apply for housing loan or buy a house.

But not all Filipinos can afford the low-cost housing no matter how the government adjusts the requirements and qualifications. The government funds for financial assistance like the Community Mortgage Program. However, Filipinos who need it the most are the least informed.

It may be ridiculous and quite a shame but only 21% of the financial assistance benefited the poor. The lion share has gone to the rich and middle-class. At least, this was nine years ago. Improvement is expected with the new government, especially that housing is one of its priorities.

Bigger housing fund is expected next year. The result is yet to be known. For now, homeless Filipinos have to wait and see. Or maybe, they can look for an alternative to traditional government-offered housing. Habitat for Humanity offers an alternative.

Habitat for Humanity: Building Simple, Decent, and Affordable Housing

In 1942, a small Christian farming community called Koinonia Farm started partnership housing. They provided housing loans without profit and interest. The community continued helping through revolving “The Fund for Humanity.” Funds came from payments, fund-raising activities, and donations, which were used to build more houses.

“What the poor need is not charity but capital, not caseworkers but co-workers. And what the rich need is a wise, honorable and just way of divesting themselves of their overabundance.” This vision inspired the evolution of this small farming community to what is known now as the Habitat for Humanity (HFH).

To date, HFH has turned more than 1.75 million people from homeless to homeowners. It has built over 350,000 houses. More than 30,000 of these simple, decent, and affordable houses are in the Philippines.

Habitat for Humanity and World Habitat Day

HFH takes part in celebrating the World Habitat Day. Hard Hats for Habitat campaign in Asia has started to remind people about the need for better housing. The hard hat also symbolizes safety and protection that a decent home can provide a family. Other Asia Pacific Habitat groups like in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Korea have their own ways of celebrating this day.

Meanwhile in the Philippines, Filipinos are encouraged to upload their photos to the World Habitat Day Photo Wall. Answer the question, “What will you build?” on a piece of paper. The answer can be a drawing or words. Take you photo as you hold up the piece of paper and upload it to the Photo Wall.