DAVAO DE ORO — Two indigenous communities in Davao de Oro now have secure, permanent homes tailored to their cultural heritage. The National Housing Authority recently turned over 200 housing units across two projects under its Housing Assistance Program for Indigenous Peoples. The Balai Mandaya‑Mansaka in New Bataan and the Balai Na Linagsanan Tu Tribu Dibabawon in Monkayo each delivered 100 units, with a combined investment of ₱40 million.
The turnovers, led by NHA Region XI Officer‑in‑Charge Engr. Shariffuddin I. Nami and District Manager Gerold P. Namoc, mark a significant milestone in the government's drive to provide dignified shelter for marginalized communities. Beneficiaries include members of the Mandaya‑Mansaka, Manobo, Dibabawon, and Mangguangan tribes. The ceremonies were attended by provincial officials and tribal leaders, affirming a whole‑of‑government approach to indigenous welfare.
Rooted in Culture, Built for Stability
The HAPIP projects go beyond standard socialized housing. Designed in consultation with the tribal communities, the units respect indigenous building traditions while incorporating modern construction standards for safety and durability. By anchoring families to titled, secure homes, the developments help preserve the cultural identity of tribes that have long faced displacement from infrastructure projects and land‑use changes.
For the property sector, the formalization of these tribal settlements represents an important contribution to regional stability. Secure housing reduces informal settlement pressures and provides a foundation for economic participation. The New Bataan and Monkayo projects demonstrate that socialized housing can be both culturally sensitive and strategically aligned with broader development goals, creating resilient communities that contribute to the local economy.
A Broader Push for Inclusive Housing
The NHA, under the leadership of General Manager Joeben A. Tai, has accelerated the delivery of housing for vulnerable sectors as part of the administration's Bagong Pilipinas initiative. In Pampanga alone, 72 families affected by the North‑South Commuter Railway Extension received units under a separate program. The Davao de Oro projects reflect the same commitment, extended to indigenous communities.
For investors and developers, the government's ability to deliver housing for marginalized groups reduces social friction and supports a more inclusive property market. The Balai projects provide a replicable model for partnerships between national agencies, local governments, and indigenous communities. As the NHA continues to roll out similar initiatives nationwide, the 200 families in New Bataan and Monkayo now have a permanent address and a foundation for a better future.
