ILOILO City – Relocation beneficiaries here are being trained to build their own homes in a move that aims to stretch the city government’s limited housing budget, reduce construction costs, and allow more families to benefit from the government’s housing program.
Beneficiaries of the city’s relocation project in Barangays West Habog-Habog and San Juan, Molo district are undergoing masonry and carpentry training under a partnership between the Iloilo City Local Housing Office (ICLHO) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) before construction of their houses begins.
“We requested TESDA to conduct the training so that our beneficiaries will have the knowledge and skills to participate in building their own homes,” said Atty. Peter Mallare, head of the ICLHO.
Mallare said the city adopted the “sweat equity” approach to maximize its limited housing funds by minimizing labor expenses while encouraging beneficiaries to actively participate in constructing their own houses.
“In any housing project, a significant portion of the budget goes to labor because contractors are usually hired through public bidding. Since our resources are limited and we want to build more houses, it is better if we can reduce labor costs through sweat equity,” he explained.
He noted that the concept has already proven effective in community housing projects implemented by organizations such as Gawad Kalinga.
“Instead of relying entirely on contractors, the beneficiaries themselves will participate in the construction. Aside from saving on labor expenses, they also gain valuable skills and develop a stronger sense of ownership over their homes,” Mallare said.
According to Mallare, the current site development plan can initially accommodate around 170 residential lots, although the city is exploring possible adjustments that could increase capacity to about 200 lots.
“Based on our present site development, we can generate around 170 lots. However, we are looking at possible adjustments that may allow us to increase this to about 200 lots so more families can benefit from the project,” he said.
The relocation project is part of the Iloilo City Government’s continuing effort to provide safe and permanent housing for qualified families while promoting community participation, practical skills development, and more cost-efficient housing construction./PN
