On April 26, 2004, KPS Foundation (KPSFI) representatives visited Santino Village in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, to discuss strategies for strengthening the local homeowners’ association (HOA) and addressing community concerns.
The meeting was led by Gelsa Pocdol, a seasoned community development officer and NAPC-NUPSC council member. Joining her were Eugenio Reyla Jr., who welcomed attendees and provided a brief overview of KPSFI, and Lorraine Dutaro, the MIS Documentor responsible for documenting the event.
During the meeting, residents shared their concerns about various challenges facing their community, including infrastructure issues and safety concerns. Gelsa proposed the formation of a homeowners’ association as a collaborative solution to address these issues. She emphasized the importance of HOAs in fostering community unity, empowerment, and collective action.
Gelsa provided valuable guidelines to help residents establish and effectively manage a thriving HOA. She explained that HOAs can significantly enhance a community by empowering residents to speak collectively and advocate for their needs. Furthermore, by working together, HOAs can foster a sense of unity, improve the overall well-being of members, and promote economic growth, community development, and stronger social bonds.
All HOAs are required to comply with Republic Act No. 9904, the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners’ Associations. This law recognizes and promotes the rights and roles of homeowners and outlines the registration process with the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD).
Since Santino Village’s HOA has already completed the DSHUD registration process, it is crucial to maintain accurate records, fulfill ongoing duties, and conduct regular meetings to address potential conflicts. Building trust among members and stakeholders is essential for the success of any HOA.
In fact, in December 2023, Santino Village successfully completed Phase 1 of the Land Acquisition through Negotiated Direct Scheme (LANDS) program, under the guidance of the Socialized Housing and Estate Development (SHED) department. The landowner was justly compensated for their home lots, paving the way for the village to move forward with Phases 2 and 3: titling and site development.
Lorraine encouraged residents to visit the KPS Foundation website for inspiration. There, they could learn about previous projects and discover success stories of individuals who have successfully obtained their land titles. Furthermore, these stories can provide valuable insights into the benefits of forming a homeowners’ association and the steps involved in the process.
Because inspired by Gelsa and Lorraine’s messages, the homeowners’ association recognized the importance of supporting their officers’ initiatives to strengthen the organization and collaborate with government agencies to promote community development.
Ultimately, the success of this endeavor is a testament to the collective efforts of not only the homeowners’ association but also all the residents of Santino Village. By working together with local government units, HOAs can provide certainty to beneficiaries who aspire to own their own homes and live in a safe and prosperous community.
