Written by: Jore-Annie Rico
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to assess the impacts of the national government’s program to relocate informal settler families living along Metro Manila waterways, viewed through the lens of children’s rights.
The problem of informal settlements remains as one of the greatest urban development challenges in the Philippines. Like most developing countries, the Philippines is currently experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth which consequently lead to informal settlements. As storms intensify and catastrophic floods hit the metropolis, the relocation of informal settlers to safer places becomes more urgent.
In 2011, the Philippine government launched a five-year relocation and housing program for informal settlers living along Metro Manila waterways. Under the directive of President Benigno Aquino III, the program was allotted P50 billion. The massive relocation program is expected to affect approximately 60,000 families or 36,000 children (Save the Children, 2014).
Despite the huge potential risks and externalities that can result prior to, during and after the relocation process, children are excluded from consultations and decision-making process.
This discussion paper includes a brief situationer of informal settlements in the Philippines as well as a backgrounder on the “Five-Year Housing Program for Families Living along the Danger Areas in Metro Manila.” A case study was done to delve into the experiences of youth who underwent the process of relocation. Findings revealed that major issues confronted in relocation sites revolve around the lack of employment opportunities, food insecurity and inaccessible health services.
Given the multitude of problems confronted by informal settler families during relocation, it is recommended that there should be a concrete mechanism that can protect the rights and welfare of children. The researcher recommends the addition of a child-friendly relocation clause in the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992. It is hoped that a child-friendly relocation process could lead to a better quality of life as well as to raise public awareness on children’s rights and welfare.
Keywords: relocation, children, housing, informal settlers, urban development
[A Child’s Rights Assessment of the Philippine Government’s Relocation Program]
