Foreclosure prevention seminar educates homeowners on available help
REDWOOD CITY, Ca –- (March 18, 2009) – ABS-CBN International’s The Filipino Channel (TFC) conducted recently its first foreclosure prevention seminar at its office in Redwood City.
The seminar, called Project: Bigay Pag-asa (Give Hope), was the first activity under ABS-CBN International’s corporate initiative that responds to the rise of foreclosures and job loss affecting many Filipinos in the U.S.
Volunteering their services for the seminar were seasoned financial and real estate experts: Jojo and Maricel Quiroz, hosts of the show, Pera Ko, Pera Mo on TFC and founders of Keyrose Corporation, a financial wellness center focusing on debt reduction strategies; Chito Desuasido, CEO of GDE Holdings, Inc. and project manager of Bay Area Mabuhay Alliance; and Milky Lagandaon, real estate mortgage broker and branch manager of America One Finance in Burlingame, California.
Lagandaon talked from the perspective of a real estate broker, relating experiences and tips on how to go about the loan modification process. Desuasido explained the banker’s point of view and what banks are looking for when negotiating with them regarding house loans. The Quiroz couple, on the other hand, dwelt on how to achieve financial balance and wellness in the midst of the economic crisis. Everyone provided several resources that the homeowners can avail of and also answered questions from the audience.
John Lazatin, ABS-CBN International’s head of Media Events & Production Group, facilitated the seminar. Attendees also enjoyed the raffle prizes that were given away during the event.
“This project was triggered by a letter from a TFC subscriber who asked help from us regarding his foreclosure problem,” narrates Chinky De Jesus, ABS-CBN International Managing Director. “What touched us most about this is the overwhelming trust our subscribers have placed on TFC to help them with their financial problems even if we’re not a financial establishment. It is both an honor and responsibility to be regarded as such.”
De Jesus continued: “We decided to respond by providing a venue in which our TFC subscribers could receive reliable information from experts to prevent unnecessary home foreclosures. We want to be able to say we helped people keep a large part of their American dream – their own homes. The success of Project Bigay Pag-asa propels us at TFC to do more proactive corporate initiatives in the service of the Filipino community during these trying times.”
