MANILA, Philippines – The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the “voice for real estate” representing over 1.1 million members in the United States as well as in 60 countries across the globe, signed an agreement with the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Association Inc. (CREBA) designating the Chamber as its official cooperating association in the Philippines with the objective of creating synergy, unity and at the same time obtain maximum benefits among global industry partners.
 
The signing was held January 27, 2011 at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati on the occasion of CREBA’s first monthly business meeting and 38th induction ceremonies with NAR Director for Global Alliances Jeff Hornberger, CIPS, RCE, CREBA National President Charlie A. V. Gorayeb, CREBA chairman of the board Pedro C. Tario and NAR Presidential Liaison to the Philippines Asuncion "Shonee” Henry as signatories. Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) witnessed the signing.
 
International Realtor Members enjoy exclusive use of the distinctive and globally recognized REALTOR® trademark and logo, access to the largest online real estate library in the world, a searchable international brokers directory and other tools proven to leverage real estate professionals in international business, among many others.
 
Real estate practitioners play a vital role in the social, political, economic development and progress of their respective countries. The NAR-CREBA cooperation shall exist to promote strict adherence to regulations and guidelines to uplift the standards of practitioners in the Philippines to make them globally competitive and at par with their counterparts in the international real estate community.
 
According to Henry, “the diaspora of our citizens throughout the world require a strong national body to serve as catalyst for dynamic real estate activities.”
 
In his speech, Hornberger expressed the NAR’s support to CREBA and added that the creation of a committee to address the objectives of the partnership is a promising step to long-term mutual benefits. As NAR enters a new age after a century in existence, it aims to expand its coverage by being the umbrella organization of all kinds of professionals engaged in real estate business and practice. This organizational framework positions CREBA well as NAR’s affiliate association in the Philippines.
 
Under the guidance of CREBA Vice-President for Global Real Estate Alliances Julius G. Topacio, the CREBA NAR Global Real Estate Council was formed to implement the Bilateral Agreement headed by Evangeline A. Yia, Chairman; Domingo D. de Vera, Vice-chairman; and Dr. Mary Gaw So, Josephine Cortez and Daniel dela Cruz, members.
 
Membership to NAR may be applied through CREBA and is open not only to all licensed real estate practitioners, but affiliate businesses as well. To be one of the first 1,000 charter members, please contact 373-2270 to 75 or email to creba_national@yahoo.com.