CREBA PRIMER AND

MANUAL OF OPERATIONSFOR
CHAPTERS
CONTENTS

Page

1 FOREWORD

2 THE PRIMER
3 WHAT IS CREBA
3 BEGINNING OF CREBA
3 THE FOUNDING CHAIRMAN OF CREBA
3 CREBA MISSION
4 CREBA PHILOSOPHY
5 ROLE AND VISION OF CREBA
6 CREBA ADVOCACIES
10 ORGANIZATION
Council of Leaders
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Working Committees and Sub-Committees
CREBA Social Housing Foundation, Inc. (CSHFI)
CREBA International Foundation, Inc. (CIFI)
CREBA Research Institute, Inc.
CREBA Media, Inc.
CREBA Youth
CREBA Secretariat
11 CREBA FORA
Monthly Business Meetings
Annual National Convention
Seminars & Workshops on Topics of Special Interest
12 CREBA ACADEMIC PROGRAM
De La Salle-CSB and CREBA Diploma Program in Real Estate Management
13 CREBA PUBLICATIONS
Souvenir Magazine and Directory
CREBA Bulletin
CREBA Primer
CREBA Policy and Procedural Manual
Space+ Magazine
14 MEMBERSHIP
Who May Become Members?
Classification
Other Types of Members
Admission to Membership
Representation
Suspension and/or Expulsion
Reinstatement
Rights & Privileges of Members
Voting Rights
Duties & Obligations of Members

15 CHAPTER MANUAL OF OPERATIONS

16 GUIDELINES ON CREBA CHAPTER FORMATION
Objectives

1
 Plan of Action
Requirements
16 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Chapter
Regional Director
Creba, Inc.
Creba Member
Chapter Office
Chapter Secretariat
Affiliate Member
Chapter Board of Directors
17 GENERAL POLICIES
Chapter Identification
The CREBA Logo, Mark & Name
Financial Autonomy
Intra-Chapter Controversy
Liability
Indemnity Obligation
Registration, Licensing & Permits
Membership Fee
Internal Relations
External Relations
Reportorial Requirements
Accounting System
Operating Account
Advertising and Promotional Standards
Membership Recruitment
Appointments/Expectation Letters
Induction/Oath of Office
Communications Protocol
Awards
Revisions/Additions to this Manual
Suspension and/or Termination
20 SCOPE & FUNCTIONS OF COMMITTEES AND ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS
Chapter Officers
Administration Group
Administrative Committees
Standing Committees
22 ADMINISTRATION GROUP
23 ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES
24 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHAPTER-HOSTED PROJECTS
24 SIMPLIFIED RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR CREBA CHAPTER BUSINESS MEETINGS
25 REGIONAL AFFAIRS
Regional Director
Deputy Regional Director
27 PROJECT PLANNING WORKSHEET
27 ACTIVITY PLANNING WORKSHEET

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Foreword
This combined CREBA Primer and Chapter Manual of Operations brings to its readers two sets of benefits.

The Primer is key to a full understanding of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders‟ Associations, Inc.

(CREBA). In a concise but clear presentation, the Primer introduces the history, vision and mission,
philosophy, organizational set-up, advocacy programs and other initiatives of the Chamber.

The Chapter Manual of Operations details how a chapter of CREBA is to be established, organized,

revitalized and maintained, or re-organized, in order to effectively support the Chamber‟s role, vision and

mission, philosophy and advocacies. It is intended to provide uniformity in conducting, monitoring and

evaluating chapter operations and performance.

On the whole, this document aims to link all CREBANs together by making them aware of what is
common among them as one organization.

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THE PRIMER
WHAT IS CREBA?

CREBA is the acronym for Chamber of Real Estate and Builders‟ Associations, Inc., the umbrella organization
of the real estate and housing industry. Otherwise known as the Chamber, it counts more than 3,000
professionals, companies and associations comprising the widest cross section of the industry in the Philippines.
Members are real estate practitioners – developers, appraisers, brokers, architects, planners, engineers, builders,
contractors, financiers, suppliers and many other allied professionals engaged in the development of
subdivisions, housing, condominiums, industrial estates, leisure clubs, resorts and hotels, and other transactions
and activities related to land and all forms of real property.

THE BEGINNING OF CREBA

The idea of an umbrella organization was conceived as early as the 1960‟s to unite the different disciplines of the
industry. During that period, private subdivisions were mushrooming in the peripheries of the national capital
region or Metropolitan Manila. As development took a frenzied pace, developers and homebuyers encountered
various obstacles and problems.

In an effort to address these problems, a group of concerned industry leaders met in October 1973 to form an
association that would later be known officially as the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders‟ Associations, Inc.
It was founded by Atty. Manuel M. Serrano together with the dons of the industry, namely, Messrs. Antonio
Avecilla, Luis Bernasconi, Victor Buencamino Jr., Cesar Caliwara, Demetrio Capuyoc, Rosendo Donida,
Mariano Goce, Oscar Ilustre, Octavio Kalalo, Mariano Lucero, Ariston Nakpil, Romulo Reyes, Victorio Soliven,
Artemio Valencia and Rodolfo Valencia.

CREBA is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit, non-
governmental organization.

THE FOUNDING CHAIRMAN OF CREBA

Lawyer, law professor, foreign affairs officer, land and housing developer, agro-industrialist, and the
widely-acknowledged epithet of “real estate guru” of the Philippines – these are some of the credentials
associated with Atty. Manuel M. Serrano, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the CREBA Board of
Directors.

From the time he founded the Chamber in the early „70s until his demise in January 2011, he presided over
its Board meetings and provided the brain thrust and statesmanship that yielded some of the most
influential legislative and policy initiatives that have shaped the housing and real estate industry in the
Philippines as we know it today.

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Holder of a Master of Laws degree in Business Law from New York University and steeped in
Constitutional Law, Political Law, and Administrative Law, Atty. Serrano personally drafted landmark
legislative bills affecting the housing and real estate industry and lobbied successfully for their passage in
both chambers of the Philippine Congress.

Atty. Serrano was an articulate writer and speaker on the social, political, legal, economic, and financial
dimensions of housing and real estate in the Philippines. He is author of most of the official CREBA
advocacies and position papers that have found their way through the years into the legislature as well as
the executive and judicial branches of government. In both government and private sectors, his views are
held in high esteem. In more ways than one, the professional image and reputation that CREBA now enjoys
is a reflection of the influence that Manuel M. Serrano has wielded in the country and the industry as a
whole.

CREBA MISSION

As spelled out in its Articles of Incorporation, the following are the objectives of CREBA:

1. To instill, encourage, and promote awareness among its members that ownership, development,
construction, conservation, management, and disposition of real estate and buildings and all industries
allied with the abovementioned are imbued with public interest, and that in all relations with the public,
the members should at all times temper self-interest with that of the general welfare;

2. To integrate, correlate, harmonize, and manage the activities of the Chamber in a manner that would best
promote national growth and/or hasten economic stability of all segments of the country;

3. To initiate and/or undertake studies and researches on ways and means of providing physical structures
with maximum strength, durability, form, function, and utility at reasonable cost;

4. To initiate, encourage, and maintain effective cooperation with the government and other sectors of
society toward achieving the formulation and/or implementation of programs and policies that will foster
the development of the nation, and to stimulate the proper and favorable conditions conducive to members
in their common efforts to help in nation building;

5. To serve as a forum for all the members, as well as government officials and representatives of other
sectors of society, disseminate information and deliberate upon existing or proposed laws, policies, rules
and/or regulations affecting the members and the industry in general, and, generally, to adopt a common
stand or position on any matter that may pertain to the interest of the members of the industry in the
pursuit of the aims and objectives of the Chamber; and,

6. To encourage and promote closer understanding and relations with local and foreign organizations in the
pursuit of the purposes of the Chamber.

CREBA PHILOSOPHY

Holistic Approach to Housing

The success of any government housing program depends on a well-planned and holistic consideration of the
various factors that should come into play in order to ensure effective and sustained program implementation. It
calls for an integrated system that brings together the different components of a complete machinery that could
run the engine of housing production and delivery. It requires adequate and appropriate responses to the needs of

5
human settlements through a balanced approach to urban planning and development, such as the development of
new towns and communities that are equipped with adequate facilities and amenities conducive to humane living
conditions.

Like the human body, housing is inherently whole, composed of many individual parts with different functions.
No isolated intervention should be applied without considering its consequences upon the entire system. The
ultimate objective of providing homes to the low-income earners and the underprivileged need not upend the
laws that protect property rights or jeopardize free economic enterprise, both of which are guaranteed by the
capitalist Constitution of the land.

In the light of the serious socio-political repercussions of the ever-increasing magnitude of homelessness which
has ballooned to the present backlog, and the major pump priming role that housing activity plays in the
economy, it is imperative that the government accord the highest priority to housing and urban development.
With the objective of raising housing production to the highest possible level vis-à-vis the shortage and the
compounding annual demand, the national leadership must show greater focus on housing concerns in
accordance with a well-planned and holistic approach.

Access to Land for Socially-Oriented Housing Projects

Access to land is a major factor in the success of the housing program. The indiscriminate coverage of lands
under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) has adversely affected housing production. This
includes the excessive amount of “disturbance compensation” for illegal settlers that have to be relocated,
bureaucracy in the issuance of development permits, and the stringent and expensive process of conversion of
lands that, by law, are already exempt from CARP, among others. All these have led to undue increase in
development costs which, in turn, are passed on to homebuyers.

Focus on the Low-Income Earners and Underprivileged

The National Shelter Program (NSP) should focus on the deprived segments of Filipino society. This is possible
only through a genuine partnership between government and the private sector.

Private Sector Participation as the Key to Optimum Housing Production

Private housing developers play a key role in the economic, socialized and low-cost housing program. A
sustainable funding program can contribute to a conducive business climate that will encourage and motivate the
private sector‟s active and continuing participation in the NSP.

CREBA believes that the private lenders‟ participation in socialized and low-cost housing will widen the funding
base and increase the number of first homebuyers of socialized housing units.

Strength Through Chapter Development

CREBA draws strength from its numerous chapters nationwide. The development of chapters and the
establishment of regional directors‟ offices (RDO‟s) are part of CREBA‟s thrust in expanding its presence
throughout the country. In the process, it ensures strong linkages between and among the national leadership and
the regional, provincial and city levels. Importance is given to consultation meetings and regional conferences
regarding major urban issues and long-range needs of local members as well as prompt action on urgent matters
and issues that directly affect the industry. The national leadership also conducts regional visits to enhance
greater participation from the local chapters in the formulation of policies that will benefit the industry.

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Urban Assistance Strategy

In collaboration with CREBA, the United Nations Center for Human Settlements and the World Bank have
convened roundtable meetings of stakeholders from the government and private sectors involved in urban
planning and development. These gatherings are aimed at formulating an Urban Assistance Strategy for the
country in the form of loans and grants worth US$500 million to US$2-3 billion. The Urban Assistance Strategy
includes a multi-sector forum among the key stakeholders in urban development.

THE ROLE AND VISION OF CREBA

More than just an organization committed to protect and promote the interests of its members, CREBA seeks to
rationalize the seemingly conflicting forces of business, government and the homeless sector, ever mindful that
the larger national interest is paramount.

In turn, the government recognizes the Chamber as an effective and dynamic partner for national development. It
values the firm commitment of CREBA to enhance the viability and sustainability of the industry. Both are
cognizant of the vital role of the real estate and housing industry as a major pump-primer of the economy and
catalyst for national growth.

Playing a pro-active role in the formulation of national policies and goals, either by direct participation or
through meaningful advocacies, CREBA has actively participated and vigorously pushed for the passage of
legislation, the establishment of support institutions, and the adoption of implementing rules and regulations.

Among the many are the following:

Creation of the National Housing Authority (NHA)

The NHA was created in 1975 under P.D. 757 to oversee housing development on a national level. A centralized
housing body was deemed necessary to come to the rescue of the industry which was confronted with problems
and frustrations in the local levels.

Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree (P.D. 957)

P.D. 957 was issued in 1976 for the protection of homebuyers via the standardization of property development
and promulgation of fair trade practices, particularly in the issuance of subdivision/condominium development
plans, licensing of developers, and adjudication of cases involving developers and buyers, to name a few
important concerns.

Creation of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)

In 1980, Executive Order 648 was issued, creating the Human Settlements Regulatory Commission (which was
later renamed Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board or HLURB under Executive Order 90), among others.
This was in response to the idea of streamlining the regulatory process by apportioning the major functions of the
national housing agency among a number of more specialized agencies.

Enactment of the Social Housing Act (B.P. 220)

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The Social Housing Act or Batas Pambansa Blg. 220 was enacted to allow the HLURB to promulgate
subdivision and housing development standards for socialized housing projects which are different from those
provided for under P.D. 957, P.D. 1216, P.D. 1095 and P.D. 1096. Developers are required to conform to these
sets of standards based on the affordability levels of their target markets.

Creation of the Pag-IBIG Fund

CREBA recommended the creation of a housing fund system that was similar in concept to the Social Security
System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) wherein members may borrow solely for
housing purposes. The Pag-IBIG Fund was created in 1979 based on this idea, with employers‟ contributions as
a requisite. Today, membership in the Pag-IBIG Fund is mandatory for all SSS and GSIS members pursuant to
R.A. 7742 to make housing more accessible to a greater number of people.

Creation of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC)

Established in 1980 as a secondary market system for home mortgages, the NHMFC was tied up with the Pag-
IBIG Fund and given the authority to tap other fund sources through bonds flotation.

In this regard, CREBA has introduced legislative and administrative reforms aimed at ensuring more substantial
and sustained funding sources for housing and make the shelter program more viable. The Chamber regular sits
in legislative hearings in both houses of Congress as a resource expert on legislative bills that impact on the
industry and ensure that the welfare of its members and the public in general is protected and enhanced.

Enactment of R.A. 7279, the Urban Development and Housing Act

To ensure greater participation of private developers in socialized housing, CREBA joined hands with the
Bishops Businessmen‟s Conference and some of the more socially oriented legislators to work on the inclusion
of provisions on balanced housing development. Section 18 of the law provides for a system requiring
developers to allocate at least 20% of the total subdivision area or total project cost to socialized housing.

Creation of the CREBA Social Housing Foundation, Inc. (CSHFI)

In response to the government‟s call for a stronger private sector participation in socialized housing, CREBA
spearheaded some unprecedented private sector initiatives aimed at making the National Shelter Program more
viable and sustainable.

As a complement to the Socialized Housing One-Stop Processing Center required under R.A. 7279 and a
medium of expression of the altruism of private developers, CREBA founded the CSHFI in 1992 to serve as a
vehicle by which the private sector can more actively participate in socialized housing delivery in support of the
government shelter program.

This Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization established to promote, support, encourage, develop,
invest in and finance socialized housing projects and other related programs and activities.

Among the primary objectives of the Foundation are: socialized housing, advocacy, research and data banking on
socialized housing concerns, educational programs, community development assistance, establishment of
community mortgage program housing projects, and packaging of the required 20% socialized housing under
R.A. 7279.

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Enactment of R.A. 7835, the Comprehensive & Integrated Shelter Financing Act
(CISFA)

Through CREBA‟s vigorous lobbying, the Congress enacted R.A. 7835 or CISFA. This law provides for a
comprehensive and integrated shelter and urban development financing program by increasing and regulating the
yearly appropriations of the NSP‟s major components. The goal is to ensure the effective implementation of
government policies that call for cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program of urban land reform,
and affordable and decent housing with basic services for the underprivileged and homeless citizens.

CREBA ADVOCACIES

CREBA has taken upon itself to regularly propose legislative and administrative approaches to housing
production, finance or regulation, or submit well-researched commentaries or critique of government-initiated
legislation or policies related to housing. From time to time, however, CREBA has also seen it fit to propose
measures or take a position on emerging concerns or issues that, although not directly related to housing,
nevertheless affect the socio-economic or political environment that invariably impacts on housing and real
estate.

Here are some of CREBA's major advocacies in this regard:

Shelter Finance

The Centralized Home Financing Program envisions a revolving fund pool of P100 Billion exclusively for
homebuyer financing.

The fund pool will be derived from a seed fund of P10B from the SSS, P10B from the GSIS, P15B from Pag-
IBIG Fund and some P65Billion from the unused "Agri-Agra" allocations from banks. These contributions will
come in the form of investments in tax-free housing bonds or similar instruments to be issued by the NHMFC
and guaranteed by the Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC).

The Fund will be used by the NHMFC to fund loans, mortgages and contracts-to-sell (CTS) of qualified
socialized and low-cost housing borrowers at 9% and 12% lending rates, and recycled through a continuing
securitization program. The success of the program will be ensured by proposed securitization enhancement
measures.

The loans and mortgages will be originated by participating developers utilizing the CTS instead of the mortgage
as loan instrument. An essential feature of the new lending scheme will be a 100% collection warranty by the
developer.

Under this scheme, the total exposure of the banks will be fully liquidated on the 5 tth year, and those of the SSS,
GSIS and Pag-IBIG on the 10th year, with all interest accruals paid yearly.

The government will also be able to sustain funding for at least 400,000 housing units yearly. This will
accelerate housing development and solve the housing backlog and the perennial squatting problem.

Equitable Land Access

Under various laws, Congress has already allocated and designated lands that may be used by the different
sectors of the economy. However, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has indiscriminately placed all

9
lands under CARP coverage. This has impeded the growth of the industrial, commercial, residential, tourism,
infrastructure, and all other non-agricultural sectors of the economy.

An Executive Order has been proposed to clarify the agrarian law and the respective powers of the DAR and
other agencies on land use. It will also address the controversies involving jurisdiction, particularly the
conversion issues, which impede housing and other non-agricultural development and cause the unabated spiral
of land prices and development costs.

An Executive Order has been proposed whereby lands zoned or reclassified by Local Government Units pursuant
to their authority from R.A. 7160, all urban lands as defined in R.A. 7279, and all private lands along national,
provincial and municipal roads cited under P.D. 399 are removed from DAR's administrative and regulatory
jurisdiction (i.e. CARP exemption, conversion or any other purpose) since all of these are already designated by
existing laws for urban and non-agricultural purposes.

Once promulgated, the proposed Act will spur the economy to flourish and grow while eliminating abusive and
corrupt "conversion" practices.

Creation of a Department of Housing

CREBA has perceived that since the abolition of the Ministry of Human Settlements in the wake of the Martial
Law regime's downfall, the housing effort has suffered in terms of prioritization at the highest levels of
Government. It is CREBA's view that since shelter is one of the three most basic needs of man, provision of the
same should enjoy a priority at least equal to tourism and other government services, and should be similarly
addressed by a full-fledged Department rather than just a mere Coordinating Council. Toward this end, CREBA
has been continually working for the creation of a Department of Housing. This effort will also encompass the
following: (a) establishment of a permanent seed fund; (b) land use; (c) expanded powers of HLURB, which
includes summary ejectment, among others; and (d) securitization enhancement measures, including exemption
from the Maceda law, among others.

Expanded power of the HLURB

Additional powers are sought to be conferred upon the HLURB to fill an existing vacuum in certain areas of the
broad spectrum of housing activity. CREBA bats for expanded regulatory powers that will improve business and
industry and spur development rather than disrupt growth and intervene with productive endeavors.

Securitization Enhancement Measures

CREBA also supports and proposes measures that will enhance the securitization program under the Centralized
Homebuyers Financing Program (CHFP). This program intends to address all the concerns of the participants in
the NSP – government, funders, buyers and developers. It also calls for measures to securitize loans and
mortgages under its coverage and offer them to the secondary capital markets in the form of housing bonds and
securities. This will pave the way for the continuing recycling of the initial CHFP fund and generate billions of
pesos in annual funding.

Amendment of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Charter

CREBA strongly recommends that the BSP charter be amended to enable the Bank to put into effect monetary,
banking and credit policies that are realistic and truly conducive to socio-economic development as mandated by
the Constitution. CREBA adheres to the original principle of the former Central Bank charter which promotes "a
rising level of production, employment and real income." Under R.A. 7653, however, the Bangko Sentral

10
confines itself to the primary objective of maintaining "price stability" which is not applicable to the country's
economy where 70% of the population live within or below the poverty level.

Wage Hike & Lower Prices via an Interest Rate Ceiling

Since the Anti-Usury Law was rendered inoperative, the Philippines has had one of the highest levels of bank
lending rates in the world. The high cost of borrowing is viewed as the primary reason for the inability of the
business sector to raise wages; any government-imposed wage hike only results in retrenchment that further
worsens unemployment. It is also seen as the reason for the abnormally high prices of goods and services which
render local products and exports thereof uncompetitive.

CREBA continues to advocate legislation imposing a tax-free 9% ceiling on interest rates to enable
businesses to generate savings (a) from which to draw the increase in minimum wage, (b) by which to
lower prices of goods and services as well as to (c) minimize Government's debt servicing burden. The
compounded favorable impact on purchasing power is expected to revitalize all markets, and
consequently improve investment levels, employment levels, global competitiveness and government's
revenue generation picture.

To improve credit accessibility particularly for small/medium enterprises, CREBA also advocates for the BSP to
more effectively regulate DOSRI (directors, officers and stockholders) loans, institute a more realistic appraisal
system for banks, and ban the JSS (joint/solidary security) clause which imposes upon corporate stockholders
and officers undue burdens beyond the standard loan collateral requirements.

Elimination of Inequitable Taxes

Among all businesses, the real estate and housing industry suffers most in terms of the heaviest tax
burdens. It is also the most highly regulated, with some 20 government agencies involved, and as such
further suffers from heavy regulatory fees at every stage of the development, selling and conveyance
processes. Among the tax burdens that CREBA has been challenging are the Creditable Withholding
Tax (CWT) on sales of real property, the 2% Minimum Corporate Income Tax (MCIT), the 233%
increase in the Documentary Stamps Tax (DST) on loan instruments, and the 10% VAT on foreign
currency denominated sales of real property. CREBA has filed before the Supreme Court a
constitutional challenge against the CWT and MCIT.

Opposition to the Land Conversion Tax

CREBA strongly objects to the land conversion tax as proposed in various bills in Congress which have been
filed to discourage conversion of agricultural lands, deter circumvention by some CARP beneficiaries, and
replace the revenues foregone by the P1.00 oil levy.

Creation of the CREBA OFW Fund

The CREBA OFW Fund is a fresh housing sector initiative seen to address many issues – primarily housing, but
also matters of national concern such as infrastructure development. It essentially consists of pooling OFW
Funds that are presently not remitted to the country through a set of competitive and attractive incentives that
will motivate OFWs to invest a part of their foreign currency-denominated income in the Fund, instead of
elsewhere.

Based on an Asian Development Bank (ADB) study, on top of the current annual remittances, some US$12 to
US$14 Billion of the OFWs' earnings remain with them in their places of employment, either invested in bonds,
stocks, the money market and other credit instruments.

11
Further, in 2005, the number of OFWs was conservatively estimated to be already more than 8 Million.
And based on Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) estimates, as of 2006, the number of OFWs
is projected to grow by some 800,000 to 1 Million every year. And these new OFW will most likely take the cue
from those who were ahead of them and invest a portion of their earnings in their countries of employment.

The projected annual buildup of the Fund is believed to be more than sufficient to fund the annual budgetary
requirements of the national housing program, infrastructure development, payment of foreign debt, and the like.

And these funds could be attracted to be invested in the Philippines if the funds shall:

 remain in foreign currency or US dollars;

 be kept risk-free;

 earn more than what they presently do in their places of origin;

 be so constructed to be simultaneously patriotic and yet still relevant to their personal needs;

b. Passing thru of the OFW funds towards national government, with:

 a coupon rate of 4% per annum for a period of ten (10) years;

 a variable rate of 5% for OFW Housing Funds;

 the cover of sovereign guaranty of the Republic of the Philippines, which makes the investment risk-free;

 up to 100% participation in the residual profits of the OFW Fund at the end of twenty-nine (29) years to
meet the stringent requirements of OFWs;

 the additional incentive of enabling OFW investors to get a discount of 10% on Philippine house-and-lot
purchases;

 special rate of not more than 9% per annum for all OFW borrowings in the purchase of house-and-lot
packages and for all other loans that they may seek, such as, repairs, appliance purchases, hospitalization,
business, among others;

c. Reduction of foreign debt in the next 7 to 10 years at a modest target of US$5 Billion to US$7 Billion per
year – considering the huge reservoir of unremitted funds, as estimated by the ADB – is a possible bonus of the
OFW Fund; this is a financial ideal that will:

 make the OFW sector a genuine partner of government;

 tangentially reduce our dependence on foreign funds from the foreign capital market, a preserve of foreign
investment houses;

 consequently result in savings from brokers‟ fees for such foreign loans.

The Use of Contract To Sell, instead of Mortgage, as Loan Instrument

Plagued by rampant housing loan defaults in 1990s, the housing industry and the banks appeared powerless to
stem the financial hemorrhage that threatened the viability of the country's housing finance institutions. The most

12
novel and creative scheme to address the problem came from CREBA, borne out of the personal business
experience of its founder.

Under CREBA's proposal, the loans and mortgages would be originated by participating developers utilizing the
Contract To Sell (CTS) instead of the mortgage as loan instrument. An essential feature of the new lending
scheme would be a 100% collection warranty based on a buy-back guarantee by the developer. The developer,
in turn, could cancel the contract with the defaulting homebuyer and have the opportunity to re-sell the same
house to another buyer that is better able to honor the terms of the loan.

The use of CTS as loan instrument has revolutionized housing finance in this country. From the time the scheme
was adopted by the housing finance institutions, housing portfolios have remained healthy. It is widely believed
that it is this practice that has insulated the Philippines from the effects of the sub-prime mortgage fiasco that has
bedeviled the housing industry in the USA and affected capital markets in different parts of the globe that
invested in American housing securities.

Integrated Syndicated Area Development (ISAD)

This CREBA advocacy evolved from a relief-and-rehabilitation concept for communities that literally lost
everything -- their homes and properties as well as the sources of their livelihood -- as a result of disastrous
natural calamities. Entire communities had to be relocated to safer and more hospitable terrain, from which they
could rebuild their social and economic lives.

Faced with this challenge, CREBA saw it fit to apply the Integrated Area Development (IAD) approach of
physical and economic planners to the planning of the new communities. Under this approach, the local
government, external capitalists and business investors, and local people's organizations are drawn into mutual
partnerships aimed at catalyzing new area developments in the affected territories.

Resources are syndicated (thus, ISAD) from among external investors who are invited by the local government
and offered attractive incentives to capitalize and manage the production of goods and services in the affected
areas. The new businesses and industries that result from these investments become sources of new revenue for
the local government and open up employment and livelihood opportunities for the displaced citizens. Over
time, this is expected to lead to the emergence of new industrialized communities and economic units in the host
cities, towns, and regions. With their newfound economic power, people would then be in a better position to
invest in housing and other economic pursuits of their own choosing.

The ISAD scheme is being touted as an effective strategy for poverty alleviation in the countryside through the
development of new enterprises. It has merited the support of the largest business groups in the country,
including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of
Commerce, the Federation of Philippine Industries, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the
Philippine Contractors Association, the Chamber of Mines, the Financial Executives Council of the Philippines,
and the like.

Business Against Graft and Corruption (BAGCOR)

The housing and real estate industry has not been spared of the burgeoning hidden and unnecessary costs of
doing business in this country due to widespread graft and corruption. From the acquisition of land to the
application for the myriad permits imposed by law and local ordinance, the costs of planning for and building
housing projects are becoming prohibitive and tend to slow down or negate efforts to reduce the huge housing
backlog in the country. Analogous experiences are shared by other business groups in the country.

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CREBA has convened the leaders of such business groups to a series of meetings and workshops to seek
effective ways of combating graft and corruption at all levels. The result was an agreement among the various
groups to organize a body that would carry the fight for all the participating business associations. The new body
has been named Business Against Graft and Corruption or BAGCOR.

THE CREBA ORGANIZATION

A. The Council of Leaders

This body is composed of all past presidents of the Chamber. The advice and suggestions of the Council of
Leaders are earnestly considered in the deliberations of the Board of Directors, especially on delicate policy
matters concerning the industry. The members of the Council are furnished regularly with copies of the minutes
of the meetings of the Board of Directors. The Council of Leaders shall resolve an electoral protest referred to it
by the Chamber‟s Comelec and its decision on such protest shall be deemed final.

The Council of Leaders, upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, decides on the grant of the Chamber‟s
Hall of Fame Award and Award of Distinction.

B. The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the highest policy-making body of CREBA. It is composed of fifteen members elected
annually by members who are entitled to vote.

C. The Executive Committee (Execom)

The Execom takes charge of the Chamber‟s administration and implementation of policies. The functions of the
various officers are spelled out in the By-Laws. It is composed of the national president, the executive vice-
president, the vice president for internal affairs, the vice president for external affairs, the vice president for
chapter affairs, treasurer, corporate secretary, P.R.O, and other officers.

D. Working Committees and Sub-Committees

In addition to the regular and standing committees provided for in the By-Laws and in order to address the
numerous concerns of the industry, the Board may create such working committees and sub-committees chaired
by CREBA‟s officers as may be needed.

E. CREBA Social Housing Foundation, Inc. (CSHFI)

The Chamber expanded its concerns in 1992 when it established the CSHFI, then called “CREBA Housing and
Research Foundation, Inc.” in order to serve the housing needs of deserving, homeless Filipino families. As a
DOST-certified foundation funded by membership contributions, donations and grants, it was geared at the onset
more towards research on various aspects of social housing and real estate development. However, it later
included among its purposes the undertaking of socialized housing projects either as initiator, packager,
administrator, or as developer itself. It is registered with the BIR and granted tax-exemption in 1994.

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 F. The CREBA International Foundation, Inc. (CIFI)

CIFI is a non-stock and non-profit organization founded in 2003 with a mission to project CREBA as a
prestigious real estate institution that can provide strong linkages in the international market, particularly among
Philippine developers and foreign-based realty firms and developers.

True to its battlecry, “Go Global with CREBA”, and its vision to break new grounds, CIFI has been instrumental
in the successful efforts of medium and large industry players to reach the global market, particularly in areas
with strong Filipino presence, through various roadshows, property expos, fiestas, and other awareness programs
abroad.

A major breakthrough that further propelled the objectives of CIFI was CREBA‟s membership as direct principal
member in the world-renowned International Real Estate Federation, better known for its French acronym
FIABCI, giving it access to over 1,000,000 real estate professionals in over 60 countries where FIABCI chapters
exist.

CREBA served as the founding association of the FIABCI-Philippine Chapter in 2003.

G. The CREBA Youth

This is a non-stock, non-profit youth organization founded in 1996. It was initially called Junior CREBA, whose
founding members were children of active CREBA officers and/or members. Its initial thrust was to bring
together the youth sector of the Chamber and provide them with a venue to meet, take part in the Chamber‟s
activities and be exposed to the real estate industry.

H. The CREBA Secretariat

The CREBA Secretariat provides the professional administrative and secretarial support to the Chamber. It acts
as the central link among the members and the Board of Directors and other officers, the housing agencies and
other groups concerned with the real estate industry. Its other functions include internal monitoring, external
liaison, regular project implementation, property administration and record management and documentation.

The Secretariat is headed by an Executive Director with an administrative and research group complement.

CREBA FORA

A. Monthly Business Meetings

The Chamber conducts Monthly Business Meetings (MBMs) on the last Thursday of
each month. The MBMs are effective fora for all members and government officials in
expressing their views and initiatives on issues affecting the real estate industry. They

15
also provide a venue for members to be updated about recent industry and national
developments and other pertinent information.

B. Annual National Convention

The annual national convention is held in the month of October, CREBA‟s anniversary month, in lieu of the
usual Monthly Business Meeting. The convention, which serves as CREBA‟s major year-end activity, is
designed to foster fellowship and networking among the members, generate business interaction between and
among CREBAns and their business counterparts, as well as discuss workable measures to address housing
concerns.

The convention usually generates resolutions which are presented to the legislative and executive departments of
government to assist in the attainment of the national housing goals.

CREBA ACADEMIC PROGRAM

De La Salle-CSB and CREBA Diploma Program in Real Estate Management

A Post-Baccalaureate Diploma Program on Real Estate Management that will lead to a full degree program in
Real Estate Management is now being jointly offered by the De La Salle College of St. Benilde School of
Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE) and CREBA. The program is open to actual and would-be
practitioners in the real estate business and/or service industry.

The CREBA Academy is managed by a pool of competent and well-known facilitators and practitioners from the
private sector, government and the academe. It comprises six independent and industry-responsive modules that
cover the Overview of the Real Estate Industry Markets and Practice, Real Estate Laws and Regulations, Real
Estate & Environmental Planning, Appraisal and Property Management, Planning & Development, and
Financing, Taxation, and Investments.

Other focused and tailor-fitted programs are also offered as one-day seminars in Metro Manila, in the provinces,
and at in-house corporate settings in partnership with CREBA chapters nationwide and selected institutions such
as the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other
companies and groups.

CREBA PUBLICATIONS

A. Souvenir Magazine and Directory

The CREBA Directory was first published in 1992. Ten years later, it was incorporated in the CREBA-HUDCC
National Convention Souvenir Magazine with a more comprehensive scope and format. The directory contains
the names and addresses of members, allied professionals and entities. Among them are architects, designers,
engineers and planners, banks and financing institutions, brokers, dealers and realtors, builders and contractors,
suppliers, developers, consultancy and allied services. The magazine portion contains articles and timely
industry information.

B. CREBA Chronicle

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The CREBA Chronicle is the official monthly publication of the Chamber. It contains news items and features
regular columns, including views from the chairman and updates from the national president and committee
chairs. It also gives pertinent information on membership development, chapter affairs, sports, socials and other
worthwhile activities of the organization.

C. CREBA Primer

This is a reference material and, more importantly, a key to a full understanding of CREBA‟s vision and mission.
It gives the reader a clear grasp of CREBA‟s advocacy programs, initiatives and organizational setup, and aims
to instill institutional pride among the members.
The Primer has been combined with the Chapter Manual of Operations in one publication for more
comprehensive presentation and handier reference.

D. Chapter Manual of Operations

This is a document that will guide all CREBA chapters to ensure uniform compliance in the pursuit of CREBA
advocacies and objectives.

E. CREBA Speaks

CREBA MEMBERSHIP

A. Who May Become Members

CREBA‟s members are natural or juridical persons duly registered and/or licensed under Philippine laws to
engage or involve themselves, directly or indirectly, in the various developmental aspects of real estate,
subdivision, housing, and/or community development.

B. Classification

1. Charter Members – The charter members of the Chamber are its surviving incorporators.

2. Institutional Members – Institutional members are business, trade, and/or professional associations
and/or non-stock, non-profit organizations.

3. Corporate Members – Corporate members are partnerships, corporations, and/or cooperatives.

4. Chapters – Any local or regional aggrupation of natural and/or juridical persons.

5. Individual Members – Any individual or single proprietorship.

C. Other Types of Members

The Board of Directors may grant the status of sustaining member to a natural or juridical person who may not
qualify under Article III, Section 1 of the By-Laws but who regularly contributes material support to the

17
Chamber. The Board of Directors may likewise grant honorary membership to any individual who has rendered
highly exceptional services to the Chamber and real estate and housing industry. Sustaining and honorary
members enjoy the same rights and privilege as other members except the right to vote and be elected into office.

D. Admission to Membership

All applicants for membership shall, upon compliance with all requirements, be subject to evaluation by the
Board of Directors who may accept or reject the application based on admission criteria that it may prescribe
from time to time.

E. Representation

A chapter, institutional member or corporate member shall be represented in the Chamber by its President and a
ranking officer or such other representatives as may be duly designated by its Board of Directors; provided that
the number of representatives so designated shall not exceed three (3) in the case of an institutional member or
two (2) in the case of a chapter or corporate member.

F. Suspension and/or Expulsion

A member may be suspended by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the members of the Board of Directors,
or expelled by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the members thereof:

1. When the criteria for admission are no longer satisfied; and,

2. For any of the following causes: (a) delinquency in the payment of dues and other financial obligations
to CREBA; (b) continuous non-participation in the activities of the Chamber; (c) grossly unethical
conduct; (d) violation of the provisions of the By-Laws; and, (3) acts prejudicial to the interests of the
Chamber.

The Board of Directors may prescribe such other causes for suspension or expulsion and impose such other
penalties as it may deem proper and necessary.

G. Reinstatement

Suspension may be lifted by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the members of the Board of Directors. An
expelled member may be reinstated by the 2/3 vote of all the members of the Board of Directors, subject to
pertinent provisions of the Chamber‟s By-Laws.

H. Rights & Privileges of Members

1. To vote in all annual, special, regular, and other membership meetings of the Chamber;

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 2. To vote and be elected in any election for any office of the Chamber;

3. To take part in the deliberations and debates of the Chamber;

4. To receive regularly a copy of CREBA‟s official publications, the annual report and other information
or communication materials which the Chamber may release from time to time;

5. To participate in CREBA‟s roadshows, special presentations, business meetings, business matching and
exhibits. Members are also entitled to be part of CREBA‟s website and The Philippine Property
Catalogue as a way of reaching the international market;

6. To enjoy all other benefits or privileges that the Chamber may define and grant from time to time as a
result of its initiatives and productive endeavors;

7. To enjoy discounts in tuition fees, relating to the Chamber‟s Certificate/Diploma Programs, the digital
land information and survey system, on professional services of fellow CREBAns, on construction
materials from firms which have made arrangements with CREBA, and other discounts on other
services and materials that may be made available by CREBAns; and,

8. To enjoy free access to legal consultation and counseling on general aspects of the real estate business
provided by a pool of lawyers specializing in the field.

All members shall have the right to use CREBA‟s forum for ventilating their grievances opinions about or even
against government and other parties and for espousing any cause which, if found legitimate and worthwhile,
shall in turn be promoted and espoused by the Chamber as a common cause or interest.

Chapter members shall be entitled to seek and receive assistance from the CREBA in facilitating transactions
with separate entities outside of their respective localities.

I. Voting Rights

Only members in good standing shall be entitled to vote. A member is in good standing if he/she has no unpaid
dues and financial obligations with the Chamber and is not under suspension, in all membership meetings, on any
matter requiring a vote, the voting rights of members shall be as follows: Charter member, five (5) votes;
Institutional member, three (3) votes; Corporate member, two (2) votes; Chapter member, two (2) votes; and,
Individual member, one (1) vote; provided, that such voting rights shall be non-cumulative.

J. Duties & Obligations of Members

1. Pay promptly and regularly their duties and financial obligations to the Chamber;

2. Attend membership meetings and participate in the activities of the Chamber;

3. Faithfully discharge any assignment given them by the Board of Directors or the President; and,

4. Abide by the By-Laws and comply with all the resolutions, rules and regulations duly promulgated by
the Board of Directors and the Chamber.

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20
CHAPTER MANUAL OF OPERATIONS
GUIDELINES ON CREBA CHAPTER FORMATION

OBJECTIVES

To be able to --

 Organize Chapters which can monitor real estate activities at provincial levels or
pre-determined areas of jurisdiction

 Gather insights from the local stakeholders on real estate situations in their
locality or area of jurisdiction by way of constant interaction with the Chapter
members

 Disseminate to all Chapter members vital and updated information concerning

important issues and projects in their locality or area of jurisdiction

PLAN OF ACTION

 The Vice-President for Chapter Affairs, through the Regional Directors or an

appropriate officer, shall identify areas or localities where a Chapter may be
established.

 Upon prior recommendation by the Vice-President for Chapter Affairs and

approval by CREBA Inc., a Chapter may be formed in that locality or area of
jurisdiction.

REQUIREMENTS TO START A LOCAL CHAPTER

 A minimum number of twenty (20) pre-qualified members must be signed up as

Charter Members, the list of which shall be submitted for registration by CREBA
Inc.

 The local Chapter must register as a non-stock, non-profit organization with the
Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and comply with all the requirements of
other related government agencies.

 It must adopt CREBA Inc.’s recommended Chapter By-Laws.

 It must also operate within a specified territorial jurisdiction as set forth by CREBA
Inc. to avoid conflict and overlapping of jurisdiction coverage.

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  Finally, it must pay to Creba, Inc. the Chapter assessment fee for the particular
year of formation and, thereafter, as may be proper from year to year.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Terms used herein will have the following definitions:

CHAPTER – A Chapter is a group of pre-qualified persons registered as a non-stock and

non-profit corporation with the SEC, which is recognized and authorized as a Chapter of a
specified locality or an area of jurisdiction by CREBA, Inc.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR – The Regional Director is a natural person appointed by the

CREBA National President to act as the Officer-In-Charge of all recognized Chapters
within an assigned region.

CREBA, INC. – CREBA, Inc. is the core of the whole CREBA network of organizations,
national and international. It is the master franchisor that grants and supervises all
CREBA Chapters.

CREBA MEMBER - A CREBA Member may be an individual, grouping of individuals,

association, partnership, corporation, or any other juridical entity who/which has been
approved and accepted by a particular Chapter and/or by the CREBA Inc.

CHAPTER OFFICE - It is the physical location determined by the incumbent Chapter

leadership from which to operate the Chapter affairs within its locality or area of
jurisdiction.

CHAPTER SECRETARIAT – This is composed of personnel that handle office tasks to

document, operate and sustain the Chapter’s activities, programs and projects. It
provides all the administrative functions and requirements of the Chapter and supports all
related functions of its officers, members, clients, and projects.

AFFILIATE MEMBER – An affiliate member may be a natural person or juridical entity

that may be invited to or associated with the Chapter and expected to contribute to the
goals and objectives of the organization but has not been fully accepted or gained regular
membership in the Chapter.

CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS – The Chapter has a Board of Directors duly elected
by the general membership as set forth in its By-Laws. This Board shall govern the
business operations of the Chapter in accordance with this manual.

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GENERAL POLICIES

CHAPTER IDENTIFICATION

After a Chapter is accredited by CREBA, Inc., it shall always carry and use the approved
Chapter name (i.e. CREBA-La Union, CREBA-Baguio/Benguet Chapter) as its official
identification. The approved Chapter name must appear in all of the Chapter’s official
documents, including but not limited to the following:

 Stationery with Chapter address and, at the Chapter’s option, its provincial seal or
local logo

 Official receipts and other accounting documents

 Newspaper, telephone directory and other advertisements in tri-media

 Promotional materials

 Invitations

 Office, building, project or program signages

 Business cards

CREBA LOGO, MARK AND NAME

The CREBA logo, mark and name, and everything that pertains to the organization are
the sole and exclusive properties of CREBA, Inc.

The Chapter and any of its members shall not use said logo, mark, and name for any
purpose after the expiration or revocation of its accreditation. This prohibition shall also
apply to a Chapter member who has resigned, or for any reason, has ceased to be
connected with a CREBA Chapter.

FINANCIAL AUTONOMY

The Chapter shall have autonomy in its financial operations and requirements.

INTRA-CHAPTER CONTROVERSY

Officers and members of the Chapter are expected to amicably settle internally any
differences or disputes among themselves.

In the event that issues or disputes cannot be resolved at the Chapter level, CREBA, Inc.
shall have the prerogative to intervene through the Vice-President for Chapter Affairs or
its other authorized representative/s to assist in the resolution of such issues or disputes.
The Vice President for Chapter Affairs may appoint interim Chapter officers and undertake
other acts which shall be deemed proper under the circumstances.

LIABILITY

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CREBA Inc. shall not be liable for debts of the Chapter and/or its officers and members
and vice versa. All obligations, operating and logistical expenses made and incurred by a
Chapter are the sole responsibility of that Chapter. The Chapter shall maintain and be
responsible for paying all of its debts as they become due. It shall be the Chapter’s
responsibility to maintain the credit worthiness and good image of the CREBA name
within its locality or area of jurisdiction.

INDEMNITY OBLIGATION

The Chapter shall hold CREBA Inc., its national Board, individual directors, officers,
employees and the other CREBA Chapters and affiliates harmless from any and all
expenses, fines, suits, proceedings, claims, losses, damages, liabilities or legal actions
which may arise from or are in any way connected with the operations of the Chapter.

In the event that any of those enumerated is made liable, the Chapter shall indemnify the
party so held liable.

REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND PERMITS

The Chapter shall obtain within the time frame prescribed for the purpose or, in the
absence of such timeframe, within a reasonable time at the start of a calendar year, all
necessary licenses, permits, agreements and bonds for the conduct of its activities and,
for this purpose, pay for fees, taxes, dues, assessments and other costs relating to its
operations. The Chapter shall submit to CREBA, Inc. legible copies of all such permits,
licenses, etc. as part of its annual report to the latter.

INTERNAL INTERACTION

All Chapter officers and members are encouraged to attend the monthly business
meetings or such other meetings as may be scheduled by CREBA Inc., such as, but not
limited to, the National Convention, Chapter workshops, seminars and forums, etc.
subject to the payment of the fees intended for the particular event or events.

EXTERNAL INTERACTION

All Chapters are expected to properly interact with all government agencies in terms of
promoting and providing professional services, dialogues and civic involvement for the
development of businesses within their areas of responsibilities and influence. They will
pursue CREBA’s advocacies and objectives and, in line thereof, shall always seek the
settlement of issues for the betterment of the majority.

REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENTS

The Chapter must submit its annual program and accomplishment report for the
immediately preceding year to CREBA Inc. on or before January 31 of each year, plus
such other reports as may be required from time to time.

The Chapter shall bring to the attention of CREBA, Inc. significant matters and issues
related to real estate, housing, construction, subdivision, community development and
others within its locality or area of jurisdiction.

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ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

The Chapter must maintain an efficient accounting system that may be audited or
scrutinized by its members and by CREBA Inc. at any given time. The Chapter must
maintain transparency in all its transactions.

OPERATING ACCOUNT

The Chapter shall maintain a single bank account into which all revenues and other
Chapter funds shall be deposited. The President and the Treasurer with another
supplementary officer shall be the official signatories of said bank account.

MEMBERSHIP FEE

The Chapter shall collect joining and membership fees strictly according to the approved
CREBA Inc. schedule of fees in order to maintain uniformity of fees throughout the
country.

However, the Chapter may, at its option, provide a different manner of collection and
award special privileges to honorary and affiliate members as may be deemed proper by
its Board.

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL STANDARDS

The Chapter shall maintain the highest standards and ethical practices in its advertising
and promotional campaigns. Said ads and promotions must never be misleading, unfair
or deceptive. The Chapter Board must pre-approve the content, placement and objective
of the program/projects consistent to the purposes and goals of the Chapter as well as in
consonance with CREBA Inc.’s advocacies.

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT

The Chapter shall have continuous membership recruitment operations as part of its
growth responsibility. It shall set the recruitment goals to bring into the fold different
professionals, landowners, industries, corporate and individual members. Members shall
be tasked to recruit at least 1 member each year.

APPOINTMENTS/EXPECTATION LETTERS

It shall be the responsibility of the Chapter President to issue letters of appointment and
expectations to all incoming officers and committee chairpersons and other officials. It
shall likewise be incumbent upon the Chapter President to furnish everyone concerned
with all these information.

INDUCTION/OATH OF OFFICE

The elected officers shall conduct their induction within 60 days after the date of their
election.

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No elected official shall perform the duties of his office unless he has formally been
administered his oath of office.

CHAPTER COMMUNICATIONS - PROTOCOL

The National President, through the Vice-President for Chapter Affairs and the Chapter
President, should always conduct dialogue concerning advocacies, financials,
memberships, special projects, and other critical issues.

The Regional Director will monitor all the Chapters under his territorial responsibility. All
Regional Directors would be directly communicating with the Vice President for Chapter
Affairs.

AWARDS

The Vice-President for Chapter Affairs shall determine the most appropriate awards and
formulate corresponding guidelines with the end in view of motivating the Chapters in
terms of membership recruitment, regularity and completeness of reports, soundness of
financial status, number of advocacies, special projects, and others.

For this purpose, the Vice-President for Chapter Affairs may create such Committee/s as
may be necessary.

REVISIONS/ADDITIONS TO THIS MANUAL

Should the need for revision or addition to this Manual arise, the Vice-President for
Chapter Affairs shall convene an Ad Hoc Committee, with him as the Chairman, consisting
of a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of eight (8) members as resource persons. The
CREBA National President shall be this Committee’s Consultant /Advisor.

Any and all proposed revisions shall be circulated to the Chapters to solicit their
comments, which they may send to CREBA Inc., either by written communication or
during a meeting specifically called for the purpose.

Such revision or addition will only be deemed final and effective upon approval by the
Board of Directors of CREBA, Inc.

SUSPENSION AND/OR TERMINATION

In the event a Chapter fails or neglects to perform any, some or all of its responsibilities
as reflected in this Manual, the Vice-President for Chapter Affairs may send at least two
(2) notices and/or reminders to comply, after which CREBA Inc., upon his/her
recommendation, may suspend the accreditation of that Chapter for a maximum period
of sixty (60) days or two (2) months.

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If, despite the suspension order, the Chapter still fails to comply, CREBA Inc. may
withdraw the Chapter’s accreditation and all privileges attached to such accreditation and
organize a new Chapter in the area.

However, a Chapter whose accreditation has been withdrawn may renew its accreditation
with CREBA, Inc., subject to payment of fees, correction of all previous violations and its
full compliance with all the prescribed requirements for a new Chapter.

SCOPE & FUNCTIONS OF COMMITTEES AND ROLES &

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS

CHAPTER OFFICERS

1. Officers – The Officers of the Chapter shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
the President, the Executive Vice-President, the Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, the
Corporate Secretary, and the Public Relations Officer.

Nothing in these guidelines shall prevent the Chapter from creating new offices as the
need therefor arises.

The relationship among officers is illustrated in the diagram below.

2. Election of Officers – The Officers of the Chapter shall be elected by the members of
the Board of Directors from among themselves in an organizational meeting to be held
immediately after their election.

3. Qualifications of a Chairman of the Board - A person may only be nominated and

elected as Chairman of the Board provided he/she has served at least one term as
President of the Chapter. In the event no one meets this qualification, it may be waived
and the Board of Directors may elect a Chairman from among themselves.

4. Duties of Officers – The officers of the Chapter shall have the following duties.

a) Chairman of the Board – The Chairman of the Board shall preside during all
meetings of the Board of Directors. He/She shall exercise such powers which are
inherent to his/her position and as the Board of Directors may delegate from time
to time.

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b) President – The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter. As
such, he/she shall exercise general supervision over all officers and employees of
the Chapter and ensure that all the policies, programs, resolutions, rules and
regulations adopted and promulgated by the Board of Directors are properly
implemented. He/She shall exercise such powers and functions which are inherent
to his position and as the Board of Directors may fix or delegate from time to time.
He/She shall preside at all membership meetings. In the absence of the Chairman
of the Board, he/she shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors.

c) Executive Vice-President – There shall be an Executive Vice-President who shall

assist the President in exercising general supervision over all officers and
employees of the Chapter. In the absence of the President, the Executive Vice-
President shall perform the duties, functions and responsibilities as Acting
President.

d) Vice-President for Internal Affairs – The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall be
responsible for strengthening and sustaining the foundations of the Chapter in
furtherance of its purposes and objectives. Toward this end, he/she shall formulate
and implement projects approved by the Board of Directors that shall:

 Provide meaningful service to members

 Promote and maintain camaraderie, cooperation and mutual patronage among

them

 Encourage their continuing involvement and participation in the affairs of the

Chapter.

He/She shall also:

 Advise the Chapter and CREBA leaders on CREBA protocol

 Design and develop various CREBA Chapter educational and training activities
and supervise its Training Program

 Compile and distribute CREBA information and education materials

 Encourage Chapter to assist young people in the selection of careers

e) Vice-President for External Affairs – The Vice-President for External Affairs shall be
responsible for dealing with matters and parties outside of the Chapter in
furtherance of its purposes and objectives. Among his duties are the following:

 Monitor and study all matters and issues of significance to real estate, housing,
subdivision and community development and allied fields, submit his/her
findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors and interact with
government bodies and other parties toward generating support for and
favorable action on whatever stand the Chapter may take on such matters and
issues

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  He/She shall exercise such powers and perform such other duties as the Board
of Directors may fix from time to time.

f) Vice-President for Finance – The Vice-President for Finance shall be responsible for
rendering the Chapter financially sound. Along this line, he/she shall:

 Formulate and implement, upon approval of the Board of Directors, projects

that will ensure the continuing availability of funds to sustain the programs and
meet the other financial requirements of the Chapter in the pursuit of its
purposes and objectives

 Program the efficient allocation and use of such funds.

g) Treasurer – The Treasurer shall have the custody, responsibility and full
accountability over all the funds, both cash and non-cash, and properties of the
Chapter, with the obligation to keep and maintain a complete and accurate record
of all transactions in the corresponding books of accounts of the Chapter. He/She
shall make an annual report on the finances to the Board of Directors of the Chapter
and to its members. He/She shall also submit other reports that the Board of
Directors may require. He/She may be required to post a bond in such amount to
be fixed by the Board.

h) Corporate Secretary – The Corporate Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of

meetings of the Board of Directors and of the members; have custody of the
corporate seal and affix the same on documents requiring such seal; prepare and
issue resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors and/or the members; and
give or cause to be given all notices required by law or this By-laws or by the Board
of Directors. He/She shall exercise immediate supervision over the Secretariat of
the Chapter and ensure the effective discharge of its functions. He/She shall
perform such duties as the Board of Directors may fix or delegate from time to
time.

i) Public Relations Officer – The Public Relations Officer shall undertake, upon approval
by the Board of Directors, activities that will project a favorable image of the
Chapter, generate public support for its causes, and keep the public informed of its
projects, purposes and objectives. He/She shall take charge of the official
publication of the Chapter and ensure that it serves as an effective tool for the
enlightenment of the members of the Chapter. Among others, he/she shall also:

 Handle public relations for the Chapter

 Coordinate with and assist any Public Relations group in all PR activities

 Develop a public relations plan to enhance the image of CREBA in the

community

 Promote CREBA Chapter activities and events in the media

 Write and submit articles about current provincial and chapter news to the
various CREBA publications

 Share Chapter/Regional information with other CREBA groups

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  Identify communities that have potential for new Chapters and advise the
Chapter thereof

 Identify and train experienced CREBAns who can serve as officers

 Assist interested Chapters in organizing and establishing new Chapters

 Plan, organize and implement CREBA photo exhibits at major provincial events

 Prepare photo/video albums of significant Regional and Chapter events

 Serve as liaison to the Space+ Magazine

 Promote subscriptions to the Newsletter, Space+ Magazine and other CREBA

publications

 Make an inventory of all Chapter Bulletins and encourage all Chapters to publish
their own

 Train Chapter bulletin editors and assist Chapter develop their respective
Chapter bulletins

5. Temporary Vacancies in the Position of Officers – In instances of temporary absence of

the President, the Executive Vice-President shall act as Acting President.

In the absence of the President and the Executive Vice-President, the Board of Directors
may elect a new president from among themselves.

6. Permanent Vacancies in the Position of Officers – In the event of vacancy in the

position of any elective officers, their respective successors shall be elected by the
majority of all members of the Board of Directors from among themselves to discharge
the functions of the position only for the unexpired portion of the term of office of the
predecessors.

In the event of failure of election due to proper reason, the incumbent directors shall stay
on and continue to perform the functions of the office in a holdover capacity, provided
that a special election will be called within a period of forty-five (45) days from the date
of the failed election.

If said special election likewise fails, the Vice-President for Chapter Affairs may appoint a
new Chapter leadership upon recommendation by the concerned Regional Director.

ADMINISTRATION GROUP

Chapter Secretariat

Handles all liaison with the office of the Regional Director and CREBA national
officers and committees

Programs and implements all Chapter activities including Chapter officers’ visits to
other Chapters

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 Keeps all Chapter records

Schedules executive meetings of the Chapter officers

Assists the president in preparing reports

Serves as the Chapter Communications Group

Prepares and sends as well as receives all communications to and from the CREBA
regional and national leaderships

Encourages the use of the CREBA business portal and regional and Chapter extranets
or e-groups
Develops and maintains a Chapter website

Helps train Chapter leaders in the use of computers, peripherals and related
technology

Prepares and submits the annual chapter report

Internal Auditor

Undertakes a periodic audit of fund and property and prepares a report thereon

Legal Counsel

Provides legal advice with respect to CREBA rules, policies and other matters

Prepares or comments on drafts of documents related to legal aspects

Presidential Adviser

Handles coordination work assigned by the President on a case-to-case basis

Advises the President on special matters and concerns

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES

Convention Committee

Plans, organizes and implements the Chapter’s participation in CREBA’s Conventions

Promotes conference attendance with emphasis on new CREBAns

Participates in regional seminars

Finance Committee

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 Seeks out financial resources for chapter projects/programs

Periodically reviews and recommends the amount of levy per member

Prepares and submits the chapter financial budget for approval

Reviews records of the chapter fund and property

STANDING COMMITTEES

Membership Growth

Identifies and proposes special projects and activities for membership growth

Plans and conducts regularly chapter membership development seminars and other
similar programs

Works with Regional and Chapter leaders to achieve regional and chapter
membership goals

Assists Chapter leaders in utilizing new technologies for communications to

encourage membership growth, thereby making effective and systematic the flow of
information at national, regional, chapter, and sectoral levels

Sports and Fellowship


Plans sports events to promote fellowship and health, and help realize CREBA’s
ideals of service

Arbitration and Grievance

In the event of a violation of the chapter by-laws or the Chapter manual by a member of
the Chapter, the Chapter president shall call the attention of that member and require
the appropriate correction thereof within a specific period of time.

If there is a conflict between one or more Chapter members, but which conflict does not
involve any violation of the by-laws or the manual, and the same cannot be settled or
resolved between and among them, the Chapter president shall call the parties to as
many conferences as may be necessary with the end in view of resolving the same with
dispatch.

If the conflict concerns an alleged violation, the conferences shall be for the purpose of
establishing such allegation.

Actions by the president may be delegated to a subordinate official or a separate

committee of three (3) with a set deadline for conclusion of work.

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Action at the Chapter level may be appealed to CREBA, Inc., whose decision on the
matter shall be final.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHAPTER-HOSTED PROJECTS

To ensure that Chapter-hosted projects are successful, the Chapter is required to comply
with the guidelines given below.

Purpose

A Chapter-hosted project or activity must clearly foster friendship, camaraderie and inter-
Chapter cooperation for the attainment of the shared ideals of CREBA service. It shall not
be used for commercial interests and the promotion or prestige of a single member at the
expense of the others.

Participation

A Chapter-hosted project or activity must be open to the participation of all Chapters in

the region. It must have the potential to attract the participation and support of other
Chapters and/or individual CREBAns from these Chapters.

To avoid misunderstanding, the scope of participation by other Chapter CREBAns must be

clearly defined. Participating Chapters must have voted to participate in the said project
as an official activity of their Chapters.

Financial Considerations

The project’s financial requirements must be well-studied. Sources and uses of funds
must be identified in advance to make sure that the project can be successfully
undertaken at no cost or financial burden and risk to CREBA, Inc. or to the concerned
Regional Director. Upon its completion, the project should not leave or create any
unsettled obligation or liability to the Chapter nor to CREBA, Inc.

CREBA Image

In participating in or identifying itself with any activity to collect funds or any other
activity, a Chapter should be careful not to indulge in undignified practices which do not
contribute to the Chapter’s or CREBA’s image.

Chapter Name and Emblem

The use of the CREBA name and emblem shall conform with the CREBA By-laws. All
CREBA Chapter–hosted projects must include the name of CREBA and the organizing
Chapter.

Communications

Prior to sending out the first official announcement about a Chapter-hosted project, the
project chairman shall submit a draft of the project documents for review by the
designated officer and the office of the regional director. Thereafter, the host Chapter

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shall, from time to time, furnish the office of the CREBA National President a copy of
important project-related correspondences and other communications.

Project Report

After the Chapter-hosted project is completed, the project chairman shall submit a report
containing the project’s objectives, events and activities completed, names and number
of participating Chapters, beneficiaries, benefits provided by the project, a statement as
to the project’s financial status, and other pertinent information.

SIMPLIFIED RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR CREBA CHAPTER BUSINESS MEETINGS

Each CREBA Chapter shall adopt the appropriate Rule of Procedure in conducting its
business meetings. Below is a set of policies suggested for the purpose.

Order of Business

A meeting called to deliberate and decide on important issues shall have an “Order of
Business” or an “Agenda”. Such an agenda shall include some or all of the following basic
items:

a) Report of the secretary or person in charge as to the presence of a quorum;

b) Adoption of the rules of procedure that will govern the meeting (unless the body
has previously adopted standing rules);

c) Approval of the agenda or order of business;

d) Approval of the minutes of the immediately preceding meeting, if applicable; and,

e) Consideration and action on all matters indicated in the agenda.

Required Quorum

A “quorum” is the required number of persons who must be present at a meeting in order
that the decisions reached therein will have binding effects. The following are the
required quorums for CREBA Chapter and regional office:

a) CREBA Chapter Meetings

General Meeting - Simple majority of all the members in good standing (50% + 1).
Chapter Board of Directors - Simple majority. (N.B. Exception to the quorum: when
law requires a higher quorum.)

b) Regional Directors

Regional Assembly, no provision; Monthly Business Meetings, no provision but

generally, 1/3 of the Chapters must be represented.

Required Vote for Specific Actions

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If the prescribed quorum is present, the required vote for a decision to be passed is
usually a simple majority of the members present and voting. However, by law, there are
specific actions requiring a higher number of affirmative votes.

a) Removal of CREBA Officers, officers-elect, officers-nominee

CREBA, Inc. has the power to disqualify a candidate for a position or to remove
officers-elect and officers for proper cause. The exercise of such power must be upon
an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors of CREBA, Inc.

b) Required vote to elect a Chapter President

An affirmative vote of a simple majority of all directors of a Chapter shall be sufficient

to elect a Chapter President.
c) Amendment of Chapter By-laws

The amendment of the Chapter By-Laws shall be in accordance with the said By-Laws’
provision on amendment, or, in the absence thereof, by provision of the Corporation
Code of the Philippines, as amended.

Decision-Making

Any suggestion for action or decision by the Chapter Board or membership shall be by
way of a motion by the one making the suggestion and “seconded” or favorably indorsed
by at least one other member of the board or of the general membership.

This motion and seconding to such motion may be made in the manner described below.

Proponent: Mr. President (or Chairman), I move that (specify the suggested
action or decision)

The One Indorsing: I second the motion.

In case the Chapter membership has reached such a situation where a simple decision-
making process is no longer practical, resort may be made to the procedures set forth in
Robert’s Rule of Order (on parliamentary procedure). The Chapter shall formally adopt
such procedures or a reasonable amended version thereof.

REGIONAL AFFAIRS

Regional Director

Each cluster of Chapters within one region of the Philippines will nominate a candidate for
the position of REGIONAL DIRECTOR (RD) by January every year, for approval and
appointment by CREBA, Inc.

Upon formal appointment, the Regional Director shall be entrusted with the following key
functions aimed at bringing to the maximum the strength and activity of the Chapters

35
within his jurisdiction in the pursuit of the policy directions and major thrusts of CREBA,
Inc.:

 Spearhead the conduct of conferences, fora, or seminars on various industry-

related issues in coordination with the Vice-President for Chapter Affairs and/or
any of his committees

 Coordinate monthly or bimonthly meetings of all the Chapters within his

jurisdiction and make periodic reports thereon to CREBA, Inc. VP for Chapter
Affairs

 Initiate and encourage the Chapters to undertake various activities that

foster camaraderie among members of that chapter and regional level, such as
fellowship & sports; and those that pertain to civic involvement, particularly on
the production of socialized housing

 Update the Chapters on latest issues that involve the industry through the help of
the VP for Chapter Affairs and the National President

 Encourage Chapters to actively participate in the profiling system and regular

provincial updates program of CREBA to promote business opportunities
and attract more members

 To encourage CREBA’s presence at city/municipal and provincial housing boards

and provide a voice for the real estate industry in the various LGU planning
boards

Regional Communications

 Develops the Regional Communications

 Plans an objective events screening and selection process

 Plans, organizes and implements a meaningful year-end functional event

Regional Activity

 Organizes an Annual Regional Event or Regional Fellowship

 Plans regional fellowship events to promote friendship and help realize CREBA’s
ideals of service

Regional Fellowship

 Provides guidelines and monitors and assists host Chapters in organizing Regional
fellowship events including Christmas, Valentine, fellowship for Regional officers
and Chapter Presidents, exchange visits between Chapters, and others

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  Plans, assigns and assists host Chapter to implement Regional Seminars

 Develops and implements a program to train chapter trainors and mentors

 Develops a digital library of CREBA Chapter publications and resources.

Deputy Regional Director

Each Regional Director office shall have a Deputy who shall perform in the capacity
similar to an Executive-Vice President. This Deputy shall assist the Regional Director in
exercising general supervision over the chapters within his territorial jurisdiction. In the
absence of the Regional Director (RD), the Deputy Regional Director will act as Acting RD.

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38
 PROJECT PLANNING WORKSHEET

COORDINATING CHAIRMAN’S PLANNING FORM

Name of Project ______________________________

Name of Coordinating Chairman ____________________

1. WHAT are the general goals of your team?

2. WHO are the Subcommittee Chairman under your supervision?

Subcommittee Chairman
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

3. PLEASE summarize the programs and/or projects that your group intends to undertake in the coming
Creba year, provide tentative dates:

Subcommittee Programs/Projects Tentative Date/s

_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

4. PLEASE summarize below other beneficial suggestions for the Chapter.

Submitted by: ________________________________

Signature ____________________________________

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 ACTIVITY PLANNING WORKSHEET

COMMITTEE/PROJECT CHAIRMAN’S PLANNING FORM

Committee __________________________________

Name of Chairman ____________________________

1. WHAT are the specific goals of your committee for the coming year?

2. WHAT programs and/or projects do you plan to undertake (if applicable)?

Program/Project Tentative Date/s

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. WHAT potential problems do you expect and how do you plan to address them?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

4. PLEASE list other beneficial suggestions to with respect to your committee:

Name of Chairman ____________________________

Signature ___________________________________

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