Calamba development eyes minimum wage homebuyers

Amid frenzy over mid-priced residential developments, one company decided it’s high time to build one for low-income homebuyers.

Reynaldo Cometa, president of Stateland Inc. said: “Casa Laguerta in Calamba, Laguna, is our answer to the government’s call to build more socialized houses. The time is right for developers like us to intensify our efforts to help minimum wage earners who yearn for decent and affordable homes. Imagine owning your dream home for a monthly amortization for as low as P2,227 that is payable within 30 years. This is made possible through our partnership with the Pag-Ibig Fund and is something that we at Stateland are truly proud of.”

Inaugurated last month, the 7.46-hectare property is located in Barangay Laguerta (via Canlubang or Batino exit of the South Luzon Expressway). It is situated on a flat terrain overlooking Mt. Makiling.

Row houses with 21-square-meter floor area (on a 33.25-sq-m lot area) are offered. Cometa explained: “The model units showcase convertible custom-built furniture to maximize living areas. The community features a multipurpose hall and playground to cater to residents’ recreational needs. It will also provide a 24-hour security, making it the perfect environment for the family.”

He pointed out that despite the low price tag of houses at Casa Laguerta, Stateland (www.stateland.com.ph) has extended its hallmarks of sound construction in both housing and land development.

Lasting investment

Cometa said: “Casa Laguerta is the epitome of the company’s mission to deliver quality and innovative products and services to its customers and to make meaningful contribution to national development. With its desire to end the year on a high note, Stateland encourages homebuyers to invest their hard-earned money on a lasting investment. For the holiday season the company launched its ‘Be Home for Christmas’ promo, which comes with exciting gifts and incentives for homebuyers.”

The UK-based consulting firm ICF International, which was tapped by the government to study informal settler families, said the country needs 125,000 to 175,000 affordable housing units a year.

However, the same firm added that the bulk of housing supply in the country is targeted at the middle-income segment.

According to Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), the country’s largest housing development association, its members were able to deliver 211,010 housing units in 2012 and 294,359 units in 2013.

To solve the country’s over 3.9 million housing backlog, SHDA estimates that 350,000 units are needed per year across all housing segments.