A CONDO FOR EVERY FILIPINO

A CONDO FOR EVERY FILIPINO

Edgardo Gaddi Vazquez is no stranger to innovation. A prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and veteran of the housing industry, Gary—as he is known to friends—has introduced countless technological solutions over the years. But his latest idea isn’t a product you can hold in your hand. It’s not even a gadget or a patent. Rather, it is a methodology—a fresh approach to solving one of the most pressing problems in our country: affordable housing.

At first glance, it seems almost too simple, too obvious. Yet somehow, it’s a concept that has eluded our brightest planners. Gary “discovered” that the cost of land alone accounts for about one-third of the total price of building a house. That’s a staggering portion—and it’s a truth that should have been plain to all of us. But as with many things in life, the obvious tends to hide in plain sight.

So, what does Gary propose to do with this “discovery”? He suggests using government land for social housing, not for free, but on a usufruct basis—long-term leases of 25 years, renewable for another 25. In his view, that’s more than enough time for any hardworking Filipino family to transition from a lessee to a full-fledged homeowner. I couldn’t agree more.

But Gary’s ideas don’t stop there. Affordable land is just the starting point. He envisions a housing model where labor costs are significantly reduced through community-driven construction. Imagine neighbors and friends coming together to build each other’s homes—taking turns in a fair cueing or raffle system. It’s bayanihan, modernized and institutionalized.

Then there’s the matter of materials. Why not use what we already have in abundance? Gary champions the use of recycled plastics, coconut waste, bamboo, and other renewable materials. These are not only eco-friendly but also open a new frontier for livelihood opportunities in rural areas and urban poor communities alike.

Some may dismiss these ideas as too utopian. But Gary is no armchair idealist. He has decades of experience in designing and manufacturing innovative housing materials. He’s a builder and developer with a track record, not just someone with lofty dreams. I’m proud to collaborate with him—not just because we both care deeply about social housing—but because we share a commitment to sustainable development, livelihood generation, and inclusive growth.

Personally, my passion for this cause is rooted in the wisdom and mentorship I received from two towering figures in Philippine housing—Jose Conrado “Joly” Benitez and Jejomar Cabauatan “Jojo” Binay Sr.—both affectionately known in our circles as “JCB.” They taught me that shelter is not just a policy issue, but a matter of dignity.

Gary and I firmly believe that this vision can be achieved through collaboration. Local government units (LGUs), national agencies (NGAs), NGOs, and the private sector must come together—whether through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs—to make this dream real.

With hopeful nostalgia, I also call on my former mentors and colleagues at the old Ministry of Human Settlements (MHS): Jose “Tito” Osias, Bert Abling, Joe Cabazor, and Art Alvendia. Let us come together once more to make sure that someday soon, there will truly be a condo—or at least a decent home—for every Filipino.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

06-17-2025

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