THE CHAMBER of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) Davao City and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) signed a partnership on Friday, July 24, to align private sector real estate development with national and local government priorities.
During the VISMIN regional housing conference at Dusit Thani here, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno; CREBA national director Atty. Diosdado A. Mahipus Sr.; CREBA national president Noel Cariño; and CREBA Davao City chapter president Oscar Tabije signed the declaration of mutual support.
Tabije told TIMES that the shared mission is to provide dignified shelter for every Filipino, reinforcing that property development extends beyond basic structures to improving quality of life and human dignity.
“Our mission is a home for every Filipino.”No one left behind” in terms of the opportunity to have a decent home, decent life. Kasi it’s more than just a housing unit; it’s giving dignity to a family’s life,” Tabije said.
The official added the private sector needs to really be in alignment with whatever support that the government can provide and vice versa across Mindanao and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) sub-region.
Magno, in his address, said MinDA will provide whole-of-government facilitation to support private sector real estate and infrastructure initiatives.
“Together with the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations and through our shared vision for sustainable growth and development, we can ensure that every project contributes to a stronger, more inclusive, and more peaceful Mindanao and the larger BIMP-EAGA region,” the secretary said.
MinDA has ongoing efforts to facilitate an investment commitment from Qatari firm Al Mansour Holding, which plans an initial phase of 1,000 housing units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with a broader target of up to 30,000 units across Mindanao.
Magno noted the partnership with CREBA is hoped to establish the same program in the long run.
“Sana magawa ninyo ‘yan at magawa natin, magkaroon tayo ng pagsasama at partnership na magawa natin ito sa iba’t iba pang parte ng Mindanao,” he said.
Romeo Montenegro, MinDA deputy executive director and assistant secretary, said this forms part of the effort of MinDA to attract investments, foreign direct investments or specific private sector investments to Mindanao, particularly in the property sector.
Montenegro said property development cuts across several issues and imperatives, including urban planning; social implications of property development; requirements for energy; and even impact on transport mobility.
“These are among the critical points that need to be worked out as well, especially in looking at directing investments for property in certain areas in Mindanao. And that’s where MinDA is coming in to really facilitate,” he said.
Following the formal agreement signing, MinDA and CREBA aim to convene joint working sessions to formulate a comprehensive plan of action to define specific project sites, land availability, and strategies for private contractors and developers.
