Housing as econ stimulus

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

THE national chapter of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association Inc. (Creba) proposed to the National Government to come up with a national housing program that will not just address the housing backlog in the country, but also create more jobs.

Creba director Jimmy Cura said that if the government will consider the multiplier effect of real estate development, the industry would be able to provide stable sources of income to a number of unemployed Filipinos.

Cura led a panel discussion participated in by government agencies and private companies during Creba Cebu’s induction of officers last Friday evening.

Based on a formula used by real estate developers, every house that is constructed would mean 60 jobs, Cura said.

“The (housing industry) can be an economic stimulus,” he added.

But to help the government, Cura also encouraged players in the real estate industry to actively participate in the local planning board. He said that with their participation, the industry would be able to positively influence the planning processes of the local government.

“You can also help develop the mentality of ‘first things first’ in the planning process,” he said.

Cura also said the government should invest more on infrastructure projects that would allow tourists to access “the many gems” in the country.

“Infrastructure (for tourism) is woefully lacking,” he said.

If the needed infrastructure—like airports, bridges and roads—are in place, Cura is confident that the country would have 10 million tourist arrivals in a year.

He said that compared to its neighboring countries, the Philippines being an island nation, is at a disadvantage because the country is unable to enjoy border tourism like Malaysia and Thailand.

Malaysia, he said, also gets 60 percent of tourists that are originally bound for Thailand because the two countries can easily be traveled by land.

Aside from infrastructure that will provide easy access to destinations, Cura said government also needs to ensure ample supply of clean water and electricity in tourist spots. (DME)