It has been two years since my last visit here at Enchanted Farm. The last time I was here, I mentioned that a roof over one’s head is the beginning of a better quality of life. To this day, that remains our vision: to provide decent homes for Filipino families and help them build productive lives.
            We in the housing sector have been pushing for reforms that would ensure not just the construction of quality homes but the creation of sustainable communities—communities that would empower our fellow Filipinos to increase their chances in life.
            However, the need for resources to address the expanding housing gap is enormous. The government appropriation for housing has been limited and small vis-à-vis the need, with this year’s housing allocation at about 1.16 percent of the national budget or only P23.2 billion.
            Given our limitations, we know we could not realize our dream on our own.
            Just a few days ago, I hosted a roundtable discussion on sustainable housing that was attended by leaders from several countries, as well as representatives of businesses, international organizations and civil society. The discussants shared different experiences, but they were one in saying that for us to surmount housing concerns, we need a comprehensive response from various sectors of the community.
            My friends,
            I am quite sure that most, if not all of us here have heard of PPP or the public-private partnership. Often we think that projects done through this approach involve only the government and some private institutions. However, I believe there is another “P” whose potential we have yet to fully tap, and that is the people themselves or the beneficiaries of the housing programs.
            The involvement of the people, especially the poor, is as crucial as that of the public and the private sectors. As beneficiaries, they are as eager as we are in finding solutions to the housing concerns. Taught the right skills and given the opportunity, they can serve as our allies in our pursuit of building sustainable communities. This is aptly expressed by your very own executive director, Luis Oquiñena, when he said that, “The poor are no longer beneficiaries. They are partners in growth.”
            I am glad that Gawad Kalinga has recognized and harnessed the potential of its beneficiaries, allowing them to take an active role in bringing the organization’s vision into reality. By enabling poor families become productive, you not only help them make their lives better; you also secure a steadfast partner in community development.
            I hope other like minded organizations would consider GK’s example. As head of the housing sector, I am pleased and proud to confess that we have drawn inspiration from GK’s model of community building as well as its Bayanihan Economics, and I cannot thank GK enough for inspiring us through these efforts.
            It is my great hope that everyone here today, especially our young social entrepreneurs, will also follow GK’s lead. I pray that more efforts of this kind—more bayanihan— will emerge so we can empower more families and enable them to stand on their own.
            My friends,
            Nothing can be more exhilarating than to witness the dreams of our fellow Filipinos, of having their own homes and making their lives better, become a reality. And I thank all of you in helping make this possible.
            Magandang araw at mabuhay tayong lahat!