BPI Foundation recently tied up with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to build an initial 160 housing units for public school teachers, considered as the country’s unsung heroes.

The corporate social responsibility arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has earmarked P14 million for the project, which will build houses in donated lots in Muntinlupa City, Quezon City, and Davao.

BPI President Aurelio Luis Montinola III said helping public school teachers is an act that creates a positive ripple effect in society. “A teacher can make an impact on a number of students. The multiplier effect is so large. It’s stronger than, say, providing scholarships to the underprivileged,” said Mr. Montinola, who also sits as Vice Chairman of the Philippine Business for Education, a private sector-led consortium that advocates education reform.

The Department of Education estimated in 2009 that more than 120,000 public school teachers do not own homes and either rent or live with their relatives.

The unique model of Habitat for Humanity also boosts the morale of teachers by strengthening their sense of ownership and promoting kinship, Mr. Montinola added.

“Even if the payment terms are very low, the owners pay back part of the loan. This is not because they owe Habitat for Humanity money; but because they want others to have the same opportunity as them,” he explained.

“That they will build their own home and their neighbors’ homes will definitely promote the right values, even for our teachers. These communities are envisioned to be model communities, not just a housing project,” explained Koleen Davila-Palaganas, capital campaign manager for the Asia-Pacific region of Habitat for Humanity.

She said the project also gives teachers the incentive to choose to stay in the country instead of opting to work abroad. “[Education Secretary] Brother Armin Luistro has identified two major challenges in our educational system: the lack of classrooms, and our inability to retain fantastic teachers in the country. What BPI is doing is creating a new trend, encouraging our teachers to stay at home by providing opportunities here,” she said.

The project fits BPI Foundation’s education initiatives. The Foundation has conducted several teacher training workshops for 300 public elementary school teachers from Quezon City and from Gumaca, Quezon. It also sponsored a two-day workshop on art history and appreciation, in partnership with the Filipinas Heritage Library, for some 46 art teachers from Makati City’s public schools.

Aside from recognizing the huge potential impact of the project, the proponents are also paying tribute to their favorite teachers.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines Managing Director and CEO Ricky Jacinto said replicating the project in more locations in the future is “definitely” an option. He hopes that the BPI Foundation, as a pioneer donor, will inspire others to follow in its footsteps.