A Community of Reason, Nature, and Shared Human Effort
�� I. PROGRAM VISION
The Dambana Housing Program is a Deist-inspired initiative that offers free land and community-built homes for families in need. Guided by reason, dignity, self-reliance, and reverence for nature and human potential, the program promotes a cooperative and spiritually grounded community without dogma or religious coercion.
�� II. CORE PRINCIPLES
- Divine Energy in All – Recognizing the divine presence as a natural, universal force reflected in human creativity, harmony, and moral conscience.
- Human Dignity and Self-Reliance – Each person has reason, purpose, and the ability to help build a better life for self and others.
- Nature as Sacred – The environment is to be respected, preserved, and integrated into daily life and design.
- Freedom of Thought – No religious proselytizing; all are free to believe as guided by reason and conscience.
- Community Through Service – Homes are built by the mutual labor of future homeowners, fostering equality and shared ownership.
�� III. ELIGIBILITY OF BENEFICIARIES
Applicants must:
- Be in genuine need of housing.
- Have no current ownership of residential land or home.
- Be willing and physically able (or have family representatives) to contribute sweat equity (manual labor).
- Commit to abide by community values and rules based on Deist philosophy.
- Be of good standing in their locality (attested by barangay/purok leaders or social workers).
�� IV. BENEFICIARY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Sweat Equity (Labor Contribution)
Each adult beneficiary must contribute a minimum number of workdays (e.g., 400–500 hours) toward the construction of their own and others’ homes. This may include:
- Manual construction
- Gardening or landscaping
- Kitchen and logistics support
- Mentorship or administrative work (for elderly or differently-abled)
B. Community Stewardship
Beneficiaries will:
- Participate in weekly or bi-weekly Community Circles for discussion, reflection, and planning.
- Maintain cleanliness and greenery in public areas.
- Engage in reforestation or permaculture activities (if applicable).
- Help in future builds as mentors or volunteers.
C. Living by Deist Principles
Residents will:
Respect freedom of belief and non-belief.
- Encourage open dialogue and reason-based moral education.
- Practice ecological responsibility (e.g., composting, water conservation).
- Avoid coercive religious practices or sectarian control within the community.
�� V. RIGHTS OF BENEFICIARIES
- Security of tenure: Once requirements are fulfilled, beneficiaries will be given usufruct or lifetime use rights, or a title held under community trust (depending on legal setup).
- Participation in community decisions via a Council of Residents.
- Equal treatment regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or background.
- Access to community spaces for reflection, education, and sustainable living.
�� VI. PROHIBITIONS
To maintain harmony, the following are not allowed within the housing site:
- Religious proselytizing or forced group prayer.
- Use of community gatherings for political campaigning.
- Destruction of nature or unauthorized logging/building.
- Selling or mortgaging of housing rights (unless permitted through council and foundation).
�� VII. COMMUNITY STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE
Community Council:
- Composed of 7 elected residents, including youth and elder representation.
- Oversees maintenance, rules enforcement, and dispute mediation.
Dambana Foundation
Non-profit body that holds land title (if needed), supervises legal and funding matters, and ensures Deist values are honored.