With the country’s population increasing and the loss of thousands of homes to natural disasters, there currently exists a massive housing deficit. (SHDA) -- an alliance of over 200 private housing developers -- the backlog currently stands at 3.9 million units and could rise to 6.5 million in 2030 if the issue is not addressed. With an average of 5-6 people per household, the numbers indicate tha
t by 2030, nearly 40 million Filipinos would be without shelter. While the SHDA’s numbers include those who can afford and those who cannot, socialized housing is second on the list of those needing immediate shelter delivery. Based on their “New Housing Needs” profile, the country’s socialized housing needs will reach 1.58 million units between now and 2030. This is due largely to delays in development permits within the local government units (LGUs), price hikes in utility costs, increases in the cost of raw land, and the obvious lack of funding for the poor. In response to the SHDA’s continuously urging the government to step up their efforts to address this problem, Batasang Pambansa 220 (BP220) was created. The government act encourages the private sector to engage in the development of economic and socialized housing in both urban and rural areas across the country. While the country’s need for mass housing is immense, most private developers are missing out on the possibilities of this vast market. Realizing this, and to answer the government’s call–and the country’s need–for socialized housing, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., long noted as a powerhouse in property development with the widest geographic reach, gave rise to its Lumina line of mass housing communities. Created in 2012, Lumina envisions itself as becoming one of the top-listed housing developers in the country. Only four years in the pipeline, Lumina already has 18 developments across the country: Pandi, Bulacan; Plaridel, Bulacan; Baliuag, Bulacan; Binangonan, Rizal; Tanza, Cavite; Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Lipa, Batangas; Bauan, Batangas; Tarlac City; Mexico, Pampanga; San Fernando, Pampanga; Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Balanga, Bataan; Tayabas City, Quezon; Oton, Iloilo; Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Carcar City, Cebu; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. Currently offering a choice of four (4) single-storey house models and two (2) two-storey house models: Aimee and Airene, with a floor area of 22 sqm, Arianne at 26 sqm, Aira at 33 sq.m, Angelique at 35 sqm, and Angeli at 42 sqm.; the cozy homes are built of high-quality materials and cost from Php 500,000 to 1,200,000. If qualified by Pag-IBIG standards as a “low-income earner,” a buyer can pay as little as Php 2,280 a month at 4.5% interest for a brand new home in a safe and secure Lumina community. Sparing no expense, the Vista Land chose to make their Lumina developments master-planned communities that come complete with amenities like a community hall, basketball court, mini gardens and playgrounds, and commercial areas in the near future. By building in accessible locations close to major thoroughfares, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, and business and leisure centers, Lumina not just builds a self-sustaining community, it also provides every Juan the pride of homeownership.
