• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Confederation of Homeowners Associations of Negros Occidental was formally launched yesterday in Talisay City, making it the first to be organized in Western Visayas, spurred by the Metro 3rd Balay Hilway Program of Third District Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.
With the guidance , support and assistance of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) through Gelzar Amira, the Officer-In-Charge for Homeowners Associations and Community Development Division in Region 6, and facilitated by Metro 3rd Coordinator for Housing Andrew Peñalosa, the top officers of the duly registered homeowners associations of Silay City, Talisay City, Victorias City and Bacolod City, were convened in a special meeting Friday, hosted by the Third District Congressional Office.
Rogelio Plaida of the Federation of Bacolod City HOAs was elected as president of the interim executive officers and board of directors.
The Confederation will work on providing opportunities for access to more training programs for education, livelihood and other income-generating activities for communities of homeowners associations.
It will also be a forum for stronger representation of the housing sector for policies and programs needing the intervention of government and other housing stakeholders.
Almira lauded the efforts and full support of Rep. Benitez, whose Balay Hilway advocacy for inclusive, sustainable and resilient settlements and communities, made possible a milestone for Negros Occ. and the region.
Benitez is the chairperson of the 19th Congress Committee on Housing and Urban Development.
As the Confederation gears up to ensure a stronger organization, both DHSUD and the office of Rep. Benitez assured the body of continued guidance and support.
Other officers elected were Roy Moraña of Silay Federation of HOAs, Vice-President; Juvy Cardinal of Victorias Federation of HOAs, secretary; Janette Ferrer (Victorias), Assistant Secretary; Junilo Padua of Talisay Federation of HOAs, treasurer; Renante Tabanquerao (Talisay), assistant treasurer; Marcelino Hinolan of Silay Federation of HOAs, auditor and Sonia Paviera (Silay), assistant auditor; public information officers – Morena Gargarino (Victorias), Cheryl Moral (Talisay), Roberto Palcis (Silay), and Hazel Pat (Bacolod).
Also present during the meeting were representatives of the local government housing offices led by – Noel Doloriac, Silay; Ana Dreyfus, Talisay; Maria Josefa Padernal, Victorias; and Ma. Luisa Esmeres, Bacolod. The area coordinator for the Presidential Commission for Urban Poor (PCUP) Ely Doloso. DHSUD Region VI Housing and Homesite Regulation Officers Sheran Solis and Kenneth Warren also attended.*
