In the city government’s desire to fully eradicate
squatting, Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin S. Abalos implemented
a housing program entitled “More Homes for More People”.
It begun in 1987 through the purchase of an idle and untitled
land adjacent to the National Center for Mental Health.
Within the year, 250 units of 2-story houses were built
on 35-square meter lots. Since then, the program undertaken
4 more housing projects in Mandaluyong City, benefiting
844 families.
The program approached the housing problem first
through land acquisition. Acquired porperties were marked
for resale to tenants and squatters relocated from the PNR
right of way. Subsequently, the program undertook the building
of condominiums and row houses for low income families.
These units targeted those affected by calamities such as
fire, and ejected squatters. “More Homes for More
People” aimed to build as many shelters as possible;
it constructed medium-rise condominiums to overcome the
lack of available land. The Office of the Mayor implemented
the program through the Estate Management and Development
Office (EMDO), which was created for the program’s
administration. The EMDO processed applications for housing
units, while the Engineering Department closely monitored
the construction process. Support also came from the private
sector; the Mandaluyong Chamber of Commerce and Industry
financed the construction of the program’s first medium-rise
condominium (and the its second housing project) in 1992.
The housing units were awarded to Mandaluyong City
residents with SSS, GSIS or PAG-IBIG memberships who do
not own any other land within or outside of Mandaluyong
City, as determined by the Registry of Deeds. The program
beneficiaries applied for loans from any of the government
financing institutions. Low amortization rates made the
loans affordable to the beneficiaries; a unit at the Fabella
Street project costs only P800 per month, as compared to
the average P5,000 monthly rent for an apartment in Mandaluyong.
Because of this program, many people now live comfortably
in homes they can call their own. The program also created
pleasant communities that increased the market value of
property, and later enhanced the image of Mandaluyong as
a progressive district.
