AVIDA CM SETS MILESTONE ANEW IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING INDUSTRY

With the goal of setting standards in the affordable housing industry, Avida Land Corp.'s (ALC) Construction Management (CM) unit recently pursued an ISO 9001:2000 certification for Quality Management System (QMS) and satisfactorily passed the audit requirements administered by SGS Philippines, the local affiliate of the global SGS (Societe Generale de Surveillance) Group of Companies - the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.

This certification demonstrates the group's compliance with the internationally recognized standard for QMS. The certification covers construction management operations, namely, project planning, contract packaging, contract administration and project hand-over.

With full support from its President, Dinna G. Bayangos, and the leadership of its CM Head, Rodelito J. Ocampo, Avida's Construction Management now joins the ranks of world-class, customer-focused construction management outfits.

The ISO 9001:2000 undertaking required the formation last November 2005 of a team of quality champions from the Construction Management group. The team was led by Roy C. Lachica, the designated Quality Management Representative (QMR). The team handled the establishment, documentation, implementation, internal audit and continual improvement of the QMS over a six-month period -- a record of sorts among clients in the construction industry, according to Rosehall Management Consultants, Inc. (Rosehall). Rosehall is the consultant of Avida CM in the establishment of QMS.

Last June 19 and July 17, 2006, Avida CM's Quality Management System was audited and reviewed by SGS Auditors, led by Ms. Glenda L. Villaflor, against the ISO 9001:2000 standard across all managed developments (H&L and Affordable Condominium projects). SGS main assessment and final audit of projects resulted in zero (major or minor) non-conformance .

Charit Halili-DeLara, President and Managing Director of Rosehall, observed: "In our experience, it is quite rare among clients in the construction industry to finish a project in such a short time and get zero nonconformance under your selected certification body. We at Rosehall celebrated upon hearing the good news. We know how hard your QMS team worked on this project, even working thru the holidays. We believe you truly deserve this certification".

On the other hand, Mr. Ocampo said: "Today's customers demand products of better quality, produced at affordable prices, and delivered on time including superior service. Meeting these demands of customers presents a significant challenge, particularly to Avída Land Corp.'s Construction Management (CM)".

"To address the dynamic market conditions in the affordable segment of the real estate industry, CM commits to continually innovate and find ways and means to improve products quality and delivery of services to ensure total customer satisfaction", he added.

"Avida CM's relentless pursuit of excellence in exceeding customers' expectations is truly remarkable and this initiative addresses the customers' expectations of Avída -- as builder of shelter and developer of communities", Ocampo concluded.