The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with international non-government organization Unconnected.org to provide free internet connectivity to communities under its programs, marking a significant step in bridging the digital divide among low-income families.
The initiative complements the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, implemented by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development under Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.
The MOU, signed today at SHFC’s Makati headquarters by SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and Unconnected.org Country Manager Benjz Gerard Sevilla, underscores SHFC’s commitment to go beyond affordable housing by ensuring access to essential digital services.
“Through this partnership, SHFC will be providing not only access to housing but also access to education, livelihood, and opportunities that the internet brings,” Laxa said. “This is aligned with our twin vision of building homes and building lives. Together with Unconnected.org, we will make sure that no Filipino family is left behind, not in housing and not in connectivity.”
This aligns with SHFC’s transformative ECMP approach, focusing on both tenurial security for informal communities and holistic development. Laxa emphasized the agency’s continued assistance in improving essential facilities after land acquisition—drainage, water, power supply—plus livelihood opportunities and skills training.
SHFC has approved 12 ECMP projects benefiting over 2,200 low-income families across Metro Manila (Pasig, Valenzuela), Pampanga, Bicol Region, Iloilo City, Isabela, and Rizal.
Operating in 17 countries, Unconnected.org previously provided free internet to SHFC’s Intramuros Community HOA in Morong, Rizal, and Rizal Ville in Calamba, Laguna. This MOU will expand connectivity nationwide.
“We are happy to join SHFC in this mission by bringing connectivity to your communities,” Sevilla said, noting internet access incentivizes housing beneficiaries to remain in their communities, ensuring project sustainability.
This partnership follows SHFC’s recent collaboration with Water.org for improved water and sanitation access, marking activities for the 37th anniversary of SHFC’s flagship Community Mortgage Program themed “Kaagapay ng Komunidad: Mula Noon, Hanggang Ngayon.”
