Insider Spotlight
The initiative directly responds to the country’s estimated 6.5-million housing backlog and aims to give low-income workers access to dignified, secure communities.
The details
The ceremonial groundbreaking and model unit blessing were held on Nov. 20 in Tugbok District, led by PHINMA CoHo president and CEO Luis M. Oquiñena, PHINMA Corp. chair and CEO Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., and the CoHo board.
The project is expected to enable more than 500 underserved families to acquire their first homes once units are launched commercially in the first half of 2026.
“Here at PHINMA Community Housing, we want to fulfill the housing aspirations of low-income families by providing them homes they can call their own. It’s not just about building houses—it’s about giving these families safe, secure spaces where they can make their dreams come true and become part of a supportive, dignified community,” Oquiñena said in a press release on Nov. 28, 2025.
A holistic workers’ community
Beyond shelter, the Davao project is designed as a workers’ community. Plans include a community-based enterprise, daycare facilities so parents can work while children are cared for, and skills training programs to help residents build additional income streams.
The model is intended to address both economic and social needs of minimum wage earners, supporting long-term stability rather than short-term housing relief.
Leadership view
“We are honored to celebrate PHINMA Community Housing’s very first development here in Davao—a significant step for us as we expand our mission to more communities across the country,” del Rosario said, calling the project “hope and opportunity” for both residents and the wider Davao community.
PHINMA Corp. vice chair Dr. Magdaleno B. Albarracin Jr. underscored that “the more important thing for us is to provide beautiful and affordable homes,” stressing that serving low-income families seriously and putting their aspirations first will ultimately sustain the business as well.
What’s next
PHINMA Corp. is investing P250 million into PHINMA Community Housing, which aims to replicate the group’s success in education by catering to underserved segments at scale.
With its Davao debut, CoHo is testing a template that blends affordable housing, livelihood support, and community services to help minimum wage earners finally cross the bridge from renting to owning. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
