DILG to relocate 26,367 informal settler families

MANILA, Philippines – Some 26,367 informal settler families living in high-risk areas in Metro Manila will be located to safer areas by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) this year, an official said yesterday.

Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said the relocation is pursuant to Memorandum Order 57 issued by President Aquino in August 2013 directing the DILG to spearhead the transfer of informal settler families (ISFs) living in dangerous and high-risk areas, in coordination with local government units, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, National Housing Authority and other relevant government agencies.

“Shelter as basic need for the proper growth of a family is the best gift for ISFs,” said Sarmiento.

According to Sarmiento, the targeted relocation of 26,367 ISFs is based on the capacity of the government to build housing units. Since 2013, more than 20,000 ISFs have been relocated from waterways in Metro Manila.

“We have two roles: facilitating the relocation of ISFs and assisting in the preparation of housing especially through the People’s Plan. We check the eligibility of ISFs living in danger areas to borrow funds,” said Jesus Jayson Miranda, program manager of the DILG’s ISF Project Management Office.

The People’s Plan gives allows settler to take part in identifying, conceptualizing, planning, designing, developing, and managing shelter projects.? ?