On April 5, 2024, the KPS Foundation Inc. (KPSFI) revisited Zamora Village in Barangay Dajay, Surallah, South Cotabato. The homeowners’ association (HOA) held a meeting to re-elect officers and discuss the necessary documents for their application to the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) for HOA registration. The meeting was facilitated by Gelsa Pocdol, KPSFI’s Education and Training, and Community Mortgage Program (CMP) unit head, who also serves as a council member of the National Anti-Poverty Commission – National Urban Poor Sectoral Council (NAPC-NUPSC). Attendees included KPSFI Vice President and SHED Director, Rogelio Funclara, LANDS program unit head, Eugenio Reyla Jr., and other KPSFI staff.
Every HOA is required to register with the DHSUD. In accordance with Republic Act No. 9904, also known as the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners’ Associations, the registration procedure is detailed in the implementing rules and regulations issued by the DHSUD. This law upholds the rights of homeowners and their associations, providing resources and assistance to help them fulfill their roles in serving their communities and implementing government policies. These policies include registration, dispute resolution, member rights and duties, board powers, and penalties for violations. Gelsa also highlighted the importance of the HOA’s role in the community and encouraged the HOA to register with the DHSUD for easier collaboration with local government agencies on community development initiatives.
Zamora Village is currently in Phase 1 of the LANDS Program, where beneficiaries are managing their payments to the landowner with the facilitation of the KPS Foundation. HOA registration with the DHSUD is not only a requirement for applying for the Preliminary Subdivision Development Plan (PSDP), which is essential for the titling process, but it also paves the way for community development. This registration is crucial as the community progresses to LANDS Phase 2, which involves the unitization and titling of home lots, and Phase 3, which focuses on site development.
Gelsa presented the necessary documents for the DHSUD registration application, including the Articles of Incorporation, by-laws, certification, authorization, general information sheet, and the master list of association members. She pledged her support to the Zamora homeowners’ association, ensuring assistance throughout the entire registration process.
Many homeowners’ associations face challenges due to a lack of unity and the wrong mindset among both members and officers, which can impede their ability to achieve their goals. Funclara emphasizes the importance of unity, urging the HOA to come together and work towards a common objective. He highlights that without unity, the association cannot function effectively. To foster a strong and positive community environment, members should build strong bonds with their colleagues, establish good relationships, and maintain open communication. This collaborative approach will create a dynamic that supports a healthy and thriving community.
Every HOA is required to have an elected board of directors that acts on behalf of the community. There is often a misconception that board members only measure budget performance and create and enforce rules. However, as volunteers and fellow homeowners, board members are deeply invested in the community’s well-being. It is in their best interest to use their positions to benefit the association and foster a thriving, cohesive neighborhood.
The elected board of officers for the Zamora Village Homeowners’ Association includes: Feloteo Dayanan (President), Jenskie Demafeliz (Vice President), Maria Lousia Suarez (Secretary), Ronie Gorgonio (Treasurer), and Rodulfo Tuban (Auditor). The Board of Directors comprises: Jimmy Pagalan (Grievance Committee), Jennifer Young (Election Committee), Rodulfo Tuban (Auditing Committee), Lina Gallinero (Gender and Development Committee), and Alvin Gallinero (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee).
The successful election of officers for the Zamora Village Homeowners’ Association signifies a growing and promising community poised for future development. KPS Foundation Inc. will continue to support and assist the homeowners’ association in meeting all the requirements necessary for DHSUD registration.
