Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has asked for the help of private home developers in rebuilding houses for the 15,000 families rendered homeless by the ongoing conflict in Zamboanga.

            "I am seeking your support and assistance particularly in our initiative to deliver housing to our fellow citizens affected by natural or man-made calamities. The recent conflict in Zamboanga City alone, for instance, has rendered some 15,000 families homeless," Binay said during the Socialized Housing Developers Association Convention Thursday.

            He added that the government housing sector is looking into the possibility of channeling the compliance projects of private developers to Zamboanga, where the houses are needed more.

            "I have instructed (HLURB) CEO and Commissioner Tony Bernardo to discuss this with you and come up with a partnership project between the government and the private developers for this purpose," the Vice President said.

            Under the Urban Development Housing Act, private developers are required to develop an area for a socialized housing project equivalent to at least 20 percent of the total subdivision area, or with a cost equivalent to at least 20 percent of the total subdivision project cost of the main subdivision project.

            The key shelter agencies have earlier been ordered by Binay to prepare assistance packages for Zamboanga residents displaced by the armed conflict.

            The National Housing Authority will offer a housing program to assist those whose homes were totally damaged, while P5,000 worth of building materials will be provided to Zamboanga residents whose houses were partially damaged in the crisis.

            The Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund, meanwhile, started processing calamity loan applications in its Zamboanga office since September 18.

            According to the Zamboanga Office, it now receives an average of 800 calamity loan applications daily, from a previous average of 200.

            The Office has been instructed to operate from Monday to Saturday. Its opening hours are: Monday to Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8a.m.-12 noon.

            The Vice President also said that given its limited resources, government alone cannot solve the housing issue.

            According to Binay, the performance targets set by the housing sector are achievable, but "we (government) do recognize the need for solid partnerships to ensure the efficient and timely accomplishment of what we aim for."

            "Since 2010, we have provided P2.5 billion to SHDA members translating into about 3,400 units. Through our partnership, we hope to raise this level," Binay said.

            He added that the housing sector is committed in helping private developers secure the incentives due them as a result of their housing investments.

            Binay also assured the developers that their proposal for the upward adjustment of loan ceilings for horizontal housing development will be raised to the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

            "We value the developers’ contribution and support. And we need to work hand in hand especially in continuously producing quality decent units, developing new technologies that will drive down the cost, and fast tracking construction," Binay said.

            Binay also promised that government will "come up with acceptable housing packages that will address the need of our various clients, including the government employees who have also been clamoring for an affordable housing program."

            "We will be innovative and not be constrained by existing systems and policies," he said.