Pasay government eyes relocation of 1,400 informal settlers

MANILA, Philippines - The Pasay City government said it is targeting to relocate some 1,400 informal settlers in the city to a housing project in Tanay, Rizal in July.

Pasay Housing and Home Site Regulation Office chief Alex Acabado said they are pushing to relocate 1,433 informal settlers from Gotamco Street and from the city’s danger zones to Barangay Sampico, Tanay, Rizal middle of July. He said the 10-hectare property, which the city government acquired for its housing program, will have complete amenities such as a day care and health centers, playground, market, electricity and water sewerage system, among others.

Acabado said another 200 families are scheduled to be relocated in Tanay by the end of the year if there will be no problems concerning budget. The local official, though, said the city will prioritize the relocation of 10,000 informal settlers along Tripa de Galina, Gotamco and Maricaban. He said the lives of the people living along the creek and rail tracks are at risk, especially during the rainy season.

Records of the city government showed that there are 36,000 squatters in Pasay City, 56 percent of whom occupied government lands, 25 percent established residence in private properties while 17 percent are living in danger zones.

Since 2007, the city has reportedly provided housing units to about 500 informal settlers already.

Earlier, Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad said that by year-end, all the family-beneficiaries have already been relocated in the area. “There will actually be 1,800 lots available. Each family-beneficiary will have to pay P100 per square meter per month for 10 years, or P1,000 yearly,” Trinidad said.

The mayor noted that once the residents are settled in the area, the city government will come up with livelihood opportunities for the families like putting up stores and other small businesses.