Pro-Muslim housing project breaks ground in Zamboanga

The housing project located in Mampang, Zamboanga City will benefit 105 informal settler families

State run Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) recently broke ground for a 1.6-hectare housing project that will benefit over 100 informal settler families in Zamboanga City.

In a statement, the SHFC explained that this housing project was considered a breakthrough for the agency’s Community Mortgage Program (CMP) since some guidelines were modified to respond to the customs and tradition of the Muslims. One of these modifications was the conversion of the 6 percent annual interest into an “ijara fee”, which is equivalent to reward or wages for a work done or rendered.

The practice of polygamy, house design, and leadership titles were also taken into consideration in the drafting the policy, added the SHFC, which is one of the key shelter agencies of the government.

SHFC president Ma. Ana Oliveros noted that “SHFC will continue to partner with other agencies in order to polish the policies of a culturally-sensitive housing finance that will respond to the needs of Muslims all over the Philippines.”

She also stressed SHFC’s thrust of providing more efficient services through streamlined processes.

The housing project located in Mampang, Zamboanga City will benefit 105 informal settler families (ISFs) belonging to Multi-tribal Phase 1 Homeowner’s Association (MTHOA).

The total loan for the acquisition of the property amounting to P10.43 million will be entered under a usufruct agreement, wherein SHFC will pay the landowner in behalf of MTHOA. Two years after, MTHOA will start paying their monthly amortization to SHFC.
Following the lot acquisition phase, MTHOA will start processing the site development and housing construction loans that will enable members to build their houses.

Responding to the need for the development of an innovative and culturally-sensitive housing program, various sectors partnered in this endeavor including Ateneo de Davao University-Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia and Engineering Department; ZAMPEN Urban Poor Alliance Inc.; the local government unit of Zamboanga; Western Mindanao State University; and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.