VP NOLI PUSHES FOR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

17 October 2005

VICE President and concurrent Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro yesterday pushed for property development nationwide to help promote tourism for the country.

Speaking before delegates attending the 2005 National Convention of the Chamber of Real Estate Brokers Association at the Tagaytay Highlands in Tagaytay City, Cavite, De Castro said tourism, like housing, plays a major role in improving the country’s economy and one of the ways to attract foreign visitors and investors is to develop local real estate.

De Castro cited three requirements to spawn property development. First, he said there should be adequate infrastructure facilities such as roads and communication lines. Second is the progressive spirit of urban development and urban renewal. Last, there is a need for security and safety intertwined in proper urban governance.

“To meet these requirements, the government needs the help of the private sector especially in setting up infrastructure in the country,” he said.

The Vice-President also said correct land use planning and zoning of areas for tourism would be helpful in property development. “This would definitely pave the way for a sustainable tourism development and a timely infrastructure development,” he added.

During his speech, De Castro took time in lauding the private sector particularly members of CREBA for their continued support to the national shelter program. He said this year’s convention is proof of a renewed partnership between the government and the private sector in pursuing an aggressive and reinvigorated housing industry in the country.

Earlier this year, CREBA also sponsored a housing seminar that aimed to strengthen ties between the local government units and the private sector. De Castro said a united effort is what all it takes to make the national housing program successful.

Ref. VPMEDIA 05-150