This is the maiden issue of my column and you may wonder why I chose this title.

As the title suggests different topics, issues and concerns about our most loved place, our homes of course, will be discussed here.

Be it the efficiency or inefficiency of the government's housing projects, newly opened subdivisions, up to different styles of houses that fit your lifestyles. So it is basically anything about our homes.

Our home is the one place we always look forward after a day's work. A place where we can be ourselves, relax and be with our loved ones. Everybody loves to decorate his/her home. It is said that what your home looks like reflects the kind of person you are.

It is a common knowledge that one of the basic needs of man is shelter along with food and clothing. However, I have observed that there are still a lot of families in our country most especially here in Metro Manila who live in slum or squatters area. I believe that you also have the same observations.

Some of them live under the bridge, near the railways and others along the river banks. I was quite surprised when I learned the different definitions of dwelling unit. According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSBC) a dwelling unit is one or more habitable rooms which are occupied or which are intended or designated to be occupied by one family which facilitates for living.

The Social Welfare and Community Development defines a dwelling unit as a separate and independent place of abode intended for habitation, but occupied as living quarters by a household at the time of the census. It further added that a dwelling may be a room or group of rooms, barong-barong, boat or cave.

No wonder why the government claims that its housing backlog is only around 500,000 and that it has many housing projects for the urban poor either implemented or to be implemented.

The question is how efficient and effective are these housing projects? Many families are still homeless and live in places that are unsafe for habitation.

About the Author

Fredaline R. Dado is a graduate student of UP taking up MA major in Broadcast Communication. She works as a training officer of a real estate company.