The municipal government of Bataraza has initiated a project to provide affordable, energy-efficient homes for Pag-IBIG Fund beneficiaries, utilizing Eblocks—an innovative and eco-friendly building technology.
This one-hectare housing project, to be developed in the barangays of Poblacion and Rio Tuba, will be carried out in partnership with Ergo EBlocks, Inc. The company aims to introduce advanced construction techniques to Bataraza’s housing sector.
Ergo EBlocks, Inc. offers a more efficient and economical construction method by using lightweight blocks that not only reduce the construction time but also minimize the environmental impact.
Bataraza Mayor Abraham Ibba expressed pride in the collaboration, noting that the partnership positions Bataraza as the first town in Palawan to provide comfortable, eco-friendly, and durable residences to Pag-IBIG Fund members exclusively.
“We are very blessed in Bataraza to be the first in Palawan to partner with Ergo EBlocks. While Puerto Princesa and other municipalities in Palawan have plans for similar housing projects, Bataraza will be the pioneer,” Ibba shared during the project introduction on August 16, expressing optimism about the partnership with the Ergo Group of Companies.
Philip KC Ng, CEO of Ergo Group of Companies, explained that EBlocks is a specialized construction technology that uses advanced, non-traditional materials, such as polymers from Belgium and high-density, fire-retardant Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
These materials make the buildings durable, capable of withstanding very strong winds up to 350 kph, which is typical of severe cyclones, and are designed to be highly resistant to earthquakes.
The buildings are also fully insulated, which helps keep them cool and reduces electricity costs. They can also resist fire for up to three hours, making them safer in the event of a fire.
“EBlock buildings have the integrity to withstand cyclonic winds—and are practically earthquake-proof. The buildings are fully insulated to keep out heat, which lowers electrical bills. They are fire-safe for up to three hours,” Ng said.
“A house is a person’s personal investment, and we want to provide them with a durable and comfortable place to live,” he added.
Ergo EBlocks, Inc. is a member of the Ergo Group of Companies, the same organization that introduced ergonomic seating to the Philippines and set the standard for quality chairs, based in Malvar, Batangas. They have also built over 30 “Last Mile” schools in remote barangays across the Visayas in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
Mayor Ibba emphasized that the project’s goal is to provide modern housing for families while addressing the need for safe and long-lasting homes.
The first phase will involve the construction of 400 homes across the two barangays, designed to be disaster-resilient and adaptable to the local climate, ensuring long-term safety and comfort. In addition to the housing project, Ergo will also be the contractor for Bataraza’s new Legislative Building.
Construction is set to begin in early September, following the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on August 27.
