Throughout its continuing service to Filipino families in need of decent housing that has now spanned nearly four decades, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has touched the lives of millions of people, not just from the communities it serves but also the passionate donors and volunteers who have stepped forward to support the housing advocacy.

Since 1988, Habitat Philippines has supported over 4.3 million Filipinos to build or improve the places they call home. This includes more than 150,000 families who received new homes, house repair, and housing improvement services. These partner families now enjoy some of the more than 200 community infrastructure projects, such as multipurpose and livelihood centers, health centers, schools, classrooms, libraries, and daycare centers to name a few, that Habitat Philippines constructed to provide families with basic essential services and jumpstart progress in the communities.

Fueled by volunteerism

Equally import ant to Habitat Philippines’ success are the individual contributions of volunteers who have devoted their time, effort, and resources to build homes and communities for the group’s homeowners during the past 35 years.

Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo counts herself as one of the thousands of volunteers and advocates of Habitat Philippines through the years. The Cebuana beauty queen and interior design student had been in various volunteer activities with Habitat Philippines after witnessing the destruction brought about by Typhoon Odette. 

“Witnessing the wrath of natural disasters [reinforced my belief that] a home means everything. It means stability and safety; a foundation to fall back on in moments of uncertainty and fear. I advocate for decent housing because it is the first step to building mental fortitude. From well-being to skill-building, the impact addresses many issues to close the gap. I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, especially one that would benefit the greater good. It makes life feel more intentional and purposeful. Volunteering with Habitat Philippines has been fulfilling and I’m truly grateful to have this opportunity. It makes me aspire to do more, think out of the box, and see how else I could help,” said Nicole. 

Property giant Megaworld, one of the corporate partners of Habitat Philippines, maintains a committed vision towards long-term sustainability and economic growth through its charitable projects and institution partnerships. It shares a common goal with Habitat Philippines, that is uplifting lives by building safe and disaster-resilient homes. Megaworld made a significant donation for the 35th Anniversary Sustainability Fund of the organization supporting priority housing programs in Metro Manila, Leyte, and Davao de Oro. 

“We take pride in partnering with key organizations in the country, such as Habitat for Humanity Philippines, and fulfill our part in responding to the housing needs of Filipino families. Housing has always been among the biggest challenges here in the Philippines, and it is only through forging strategic partnerships that we can really make an impact and build decent communities that become foundations of a strong, resilient, and sustainable nation,” said Megaworld in a statement. 

Ayala Land Inc., another corporate partner of Habitat Philippines, is also committed to addressing housing issues and improving the quality of life for marginalized communities. As Ayala Land ventures into the affordable housing segment through its BellaVita brand, it also continues to support Habitat Philippines in various ways. These efforts include not only providing financial support but also home-building initiatives participated by its employees and top executives, as well as the Globe- Ayala Land “Run for Home” project for the benefit of families affected by Typhoon Ondoy. 

“Ayala Land is committed to nation-building and improving the well-being of Filipinos. One significant aspect of this commitment is to make affordable housing accessible for more people. This is why we stand behind and support the efforts of Habitat for Humanity. We would like to extend our congratulations and appreciation for the organization’s achievements over the past 35 years. We wish for continued success in Habitat Philippines’ efforts to provide housing solutions and improve the lives of Filipino families. Ayala Land looks forward to further collaborations and partnerships with Habitat Philippines to address housing challenges and promote sustainable development in the future,” the company said in a statement. 

Promoting holistic housing development and community building 

Building beyond homes, the program of Habitat Philippines is anchored on the Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Empowered (RISE) Communities Program Framework, which implements a holistic approach to housing and community development in order to empower families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance, and create thriving communities. 

One of the most notable events in Habitat Philippines’ history was the Jimmy Carter Work Project (now known as the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project) in 1999, where the former US President and staunch Habitat for Humanity advocate Jimmy Carter led over 14,000 volunteers in building homes in six locations across the country for a week. 

Other flagship projects include the Youth Blitz Build project in 2000 when 17,000 volunteers came together to build 319 houses in 13 communities, the Peace Build project in Mindanao in 2001 where the group worked with ex-rebel commanders to establish peace zones where Christian and Muslim refugees can thrive, the BayaniJuan sa Calauan project where the group built 650 housing units for Typhoon Ondoy-affected families within a 107-hectare housing community in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation and the National Housing Authority (NHA), and the Rebuild Philippines Program from 2013 to 2019 that supported 34,000 families from Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol hit by super typhoon Yolanda and the 7.2 Bohol earthquake. 

Habitat Philippines believes that every home they build enables a family to break the cycle of poverty, transforms lives, and creates stories of success. And they can only fulfill their mission and continue building more homes, communities, and hope through the contribution and support of more Filipinos.