After 53 years of championing housing reform, private sector participation, and sustainable community development, the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) is set to bring its year-long housing advocacy campaign to a high point at its 2026 National Convention in Cebu City this October, in celebration of National Shelter Month and CREBA’s 53rd Anniversary.
The convention, themed “Beyond Shelter: Creating Communities, Transforming Lives,” will gather developers, builders, brokers, financiers, professionals, policymakers, and housing advocates from October 21 to 23 at the Citadines and Radisson Blu Hotel to advance practical solutions toward making homeownership more accessible to Filipino families.
“This year’s convention is the culmination of our continuing advocacy for practical housing solutions, stronger public-private partnerships, and policies that help more Filipinos achieve the dream of homeownership,” said CREBA National President Noel “Toti” M. Cariño.
“For 53 years, CREBA has remained committed to the vision of a Home for Every Filipino. The convention gives us an opportunity to bring together government, industry, communities, and housing advocates to move that vision forward.”
Founded in 1973, CREBA has played a significant role in advancing housing legislation, regulatory reforms, and industry initiatives. Its advocacy has consistently promoted a balanced approach that recognizes the complementary roles of government and the private sector in addressing the country’s housing needs.
CREBA National Chairman Jerry M. Navarrete stressed that housing is both an economic and social development concern.
“CREBA has always believed in business with a social conscience. We advocate policies that are fair to investors and developers while ensuring that housing remains within reach of ordinary Filipino families,” he said.
Over the past year, CREBA has actively engaged government agencies and policymakers on balanced housing compliance, sustainable land use, affordable housing finance, and the streamlining of permitting and regulatory processes.
“The challenge is not simply to build more houses, but to create conditions that allow housing to be produced faster, more efficiently, and at prices Filipino families can afford,” Cariño said. “This requires balanced regulations, access to financing, efficient government processes, and meaningful collaboration among all stakeholders.”
Navarrete emphasized that CREBA’s advocacy seeks to bridge the interests of government, business, and aspiring homeowners.
“The interests of government, the private sector, and aspiring homeowners should not be viewed as competing interests. Our role is to help bring these stakeholders together and find solutions that are practical, sustainable, and beneficial to the nation as a whole,” he said.
As CREBA enters its 53rd year, the organization believes the housing challenge is also an opportunity to rethink how communities are planned and developed. The Cebu convention will serve as the high point of its 2026 advocacy agenda, bringing together its policy recommendations, industry initiatives, and partnerships into a unified call for action.
The event organizing committee is chaired by Jose R. Soberano III, CREBA national director and executive chairman of Cebu Landmasters, Inc.
“Housing has always been about people. When we create communities, we create opportunities. When we expand access to housing, we transform lives. That is what CREBA has stood for over the last 53 years, and that is the message we hope to bring to Cebu this October,” Cariño said.
