SM Prime to build 200 homes in Cagayan de Oro GK Village

MANILA, Philippines - SM Prime Holdings Inc. recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Cagayan De Oro City, the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Gawad Kalinga to construct 200 homes in Barangay Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City. 

Vice President and HUDCC chairman Jejomar Binay witnessed the MOA signing that formalizes the coordination and work between SM Prime and government units and agencies, in the ongoing efforts for the rehabilitation of the victims of typhoon “Sendong” through the development of the 2.7346-hectare Canitoan Relocation Site. Other agencies involved are the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

As HUDCC chairman, Binay tasked the NHA to implement the development of the Canitoan relocation site that will accommodate families displaced by Sendong, and those residing along riverbanks and danger areas of the city.

The Canitoan relocation site will be composed of 200 homes donated by SM Prime, as well as 100 homes donated by BDO Foundation – a total of 300 homes to be constructed by Gawad Kalinga, who will also organize a community association which will serve to empower the families and the whole community towards self-reliance and sustainability.       

The local government of Cagayan De Oro City meanwhile will also provide additional housing units as well as community facilities such as multi-purpose covered court, material recovery facility, transport terminal, police sub-station, school, wet/dry market, day care and health centers. The DSWD will be leading the social preparations and community organizing; the DPWH will be assisting in the construction of roadworks, drainage works and rainwater impounding area; and the DENR will take over the issuance of permits for environmental clearance.

SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy, NHA general manager Chito Cruz, HUDCC secretary general Cecilia Alba, Social Welfare & Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, Public Works & Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, chairman of Housing Committee for Sendong Victims Msgr. Jemar Vera Cruz, V.G. and Gawad Kalinga executive director Jose Luis Oquiñena formalized the partnerships by signing the MOA at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City. SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia, regional operations managers Renee Bacani and Debby Go, and Gawad Kalinga Partnerships Manager Tito Cajulis, joined them in the event.       

The construction of homes for Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro is one of SM Prime’s many projects to enhance the lives in the communities it serves.