Unfazed by the charges hurled against him, First District Representative Rene Lopez Relampagos is more focused on doing his sworn duties as congressman.  The first district solon, in fact, joined other members of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development to a study tour in Singapore last October 27 to 30.

According to Relampagos, the study tour, which was conducted in aid of legislation, is aimed for the representatives to gain knowledge on the housing programs and policies of Singapore and to come up with possible policy and program interventions that may be applied in the Philippine context.

“The said study tour is a follow up of last year’s exposure trip in Thailand by the committee.  What is different this time is that we are focused on housing policies for the minimum to average income earners in Singapore hoping that we can apply it here in the country,” Relampagos added.

Aside from the housing policies and programs implemented in Singapore, the said study tour also focused on the different financing schemes for the various segments of Singapore society and the integration of shelter delivery into urban development of one the four Asian tigers.

During the three-day visit in Singapore, Relampagos and the rest of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development had separate meetings with Singapore’s Home Development Board and the Central Provident Fund Office. Relampagos and the team also visited the Center for Liveable Cities and Singapore City Gallery Meeting with Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The second termer representative openly expressed his positivity over the results of their Singapore study tour.

“The trip allowed us to delve deeper into Singapore’s housing policies and I am very much positive that with new insights at hand, we will be able to come up with more effective measures in terms of housing and urban development here in the country.  This will greatly help us in making sure that our people’s basic right to shelter will be met by the government,” Relampagos said.

“Through the study tour, we have a greater view of how we can help Filipinos achieve a home where they can live, show their love to their families, and build dreams of a better future,” the solon further remarked.