An Ideal Homeowners’ Association

…Flores Village Phase II (Bangkal, Davao City)

by Apolinario Villalobos

Life in a subdivision is not always idyllic. There are always setbacks such as unreliable security, stray dogs, arrogant neighbors, and irregularly maintained cleanliness of surroundings. Having a reliable homeowners’ association then, becomes the only hope of the homeowner from nurturing regrets for having lived in such kind of community.

During one of my trips to Davao City, I was invited by a friend to stay with his family for a night which I gladly accepted. He lives in a middle- class, though exclusive subdivision, the Flores Village Phase II in the suburbs of the city, particularly, Bangkal. As I was used in our subdivision of being bothered by the presence of stray dogs and their incessant barking at night, my overnight stay at the Flores Village was a relief, as I never heard a single bark.

Incidentally, my friend, Ed Collado is the president of the homeowners’ association and I got interested on how he does his job. He confided that among his implemented priority projects was the installation of the CCTV units at strategic locations around the subdivision. The cleanliness and cordial relationship among neighbors are also maintained. The vacant lot which has been developed into a plaza which lately, has been provided by the local government with a multi-purpose shelter and basketball court is further made useful with the Council’s encouragement of homeowners to maintain plots which to date are planted with vegetables. Much earlier, mango trees were also planted to provide shade and later, fruits.

A healthful activity of the homeowners is the early morning brisk walk around the village which they commence as early as five in the morning. Usually, the earliest to rise is Manuel Pabriaga who is also a staunch volunteer in practically all activities of the association, despite his being a non-officer. But Ed, considers him as the Council’s  “Ex-O”.

Noticeable in the subdivision is the abundance of ornamental and medicinal herbs. Some are rare which prompted this writer to encourage Ed to have them propagated and sold during agri-trade fairs, making such venture as a fund-raiser for their association. And, for this purpose, a small portion of the community garden can be converted into a nursery.

I was also told that coordination is being done with the local government for the provision of additional streetlights that will definitely make the village more livable. As of now, only the “tri-sikad” (non-motorized tricycle) is allowed to service the transport needs of commuting homeowners within the village to maintain the peace and quiet.

Interesting is their “mortuary” program for the homeowners which is akin to the “paluwagan”. In such, the homeowners are encouraged to deposit in their common fund, Php100 per month that can be withdrawn to provide relief when somebody dies in the family. This is aside from the fixed death aid benefit.

Aside from Ed Collado, who is the President of the homeowners’ association, the rest of the officers are: Emeterio J. Josue, Jr. (Vice-President), Elizabeth E. Sacco (Secretary), Rolando V. Supetrano (Treasurer), Alex Cordero (Auditor), Jesus Galcio (Business Manager), Federico Limjuco (Public Information Officer), and Rogelio Limjuco (Peace Officer).

The successful Council of the Flores Village Phase II, showed that an effective homeowners’ association is very crucial to maintain a friendly, clean and secured in a subdivision.