Annex 8b: Multi-Sectoral FGD Documentation Report

EUSEBIO BLISS, CITY March 14, 2014

I. Brief Profile of the Community

II. Focus Group Discussion

A. Opening and Welcoming Remarks

Ms. Doble welcomed the participants. She explained the reason why we were there. The overview of the project was also given by Ms. Doble. She explained that the activity that day is part of the second phase of the study being conducted by ASoG on the informal settlers. In the second phase of the project, the team would like to document the experience of informal settlers who were awarded their own homes. At the end of the project, a guidebook on how to make a resettlement site would be done.

B. Introduction of the ASoG Staff and Participants

Mr. Regala asked the participants to introduce themselves. Each participant was asked to state their name, their address prior to relocation and the number of years they lived in the relocation area.

Name of Participants Address prior to Relocation Years in Relocation Lilia Bacud Floodway Less than 2 years Nilda Parohinog Kangkungan 3 years Lowela Cabazares Kangkungan 2 years Marissa Bilea Kangkungan Not mentioned Ave Cortes Amang Rodriguez Not mentioned Teresita Legaspi Ambuklao 3 years Nolita Catudio Kangkungan Almost 3 years Oyet Wacay Kangkungan Almost 3 years Merla Limpin Gemma Rustila Kangkungan 3 years Criselda Inco Kangkungan Waiting for a unit Dadidan Faminial Not mentioned 3 years Benjamin Tano Ilalim ng Ambuklao 2 years Ednalyn Gonzales Kangkungan Almost 2 years

Emelia Villanueva Gloria Santacera Not mentioned Almost 3 years Isabel Sabala Marites Lativo Kangkungan 3 years Name of Participants Address prior to Relocation Years in Relocation Arjay Molleno Kangkungan Almost 3 years Ramona Bermudez Kangkungan Almost 2 years Elvira Lucero Kangkungan 3 years Nemia Casindoc Not mentioned Almost 3 years Gina Castillo Myrna Castillo Analiza Dreo Avelina Limo Virginia Galanza Vilma Tangkoy

After all the participants introduced themselves, the team introduced themselves and stated what their role in the project.

C. Focus Group Discussion

The participants were asked to state the reason for their relocation, the people and organizations who informed them that they would be relocated, and if there were consultations prior to the relocation.

Was there a People/Organizations who consultation during Reason for Relocation demolished/transferred the the prior to people relocation? House was demolished City Hall of Pasig YES! House in Danger Zone Action Line (Demolition Affected by Relocation Project Team) Affected by Flooding (Binaha)

Ms. Doble asked the group to describe the pre-relocation consultation process. A participant said that the Local Government Unit of Pasig explained that there are two options for those who will be relocated or demolished: 1) the LGU will pay the residents to transfer to another place or 2) transfer to the medium rise building (MRB) that will be constructed. Those living in Eusebio Bliss agreed to transfer to the MRBs.

Ms. Doble asked who were the individuals or groups involved in the construction of the MRBs and everyone replied that it was the City Government of Pasig. Ms. Doble asked the group if the beneficiaries of the units in the MRBs were already identified during the construction and the participants said that supposedly the priority beneficiaries were those living in the Kangkungan but people from the other areas in Pasig affected by Ondoy also requested that they be prioritized. Those residing in government owned lands were also given priority to get a unit.

The participants were asked to compare their way of life before and after the relocation in terms of: a) Type of house b) Number of persons living in the house c) Number of families living in the house d) Daily expenses of the family e) Number of family members who are not studying f) Number of family members who are not working

Past Present Type of house Made of wood (i.e Coco Concrete Lumber), galvanized iron sheets (yero) and plywood Made of wood & not strong Concrete Number of Four members Four members persons living in Six members Six members the house Seven members Nine members Eight members Ten members Nine members Number of One family One family families living in Two families Two families the house Daily expenses of PhP 150 PhP 200 the family PhP 200 PhP 300 PhP 300 PhP 500 PhP 400 PhP 500 Number of family None None members who are 1 member not studying 2 members 3 members

Number of family None None members who are 1 member 3 members not working 4 members

When the participants asked which house is bigger, the unit in the resettlement area or their demolished house, the participants answered that the one in the resettlement area is bigger because it is 2 floors and is 36 square meters in size.

When asked about the safety and security in the resettlement area, there are participants that said that their new home is safer. However, there are those that mentioned there are many cases of stealing in the building. One of the HoA official answered that those that are involved in the stealing are not living in the buildings.

There are households that increased in number of members when they transferred to the resettlement area. The participants explained that there are families that let relatives live with them. There are also those who said that their children’s own families also live with them.

With regards to the family’s daily expenses, it was found out that there was increase. The participants mentioned that the commodities and services are more expensive now as compared to before. Family expenses also increase if the number of members increases.

The participants were asked who among them have family members that have regular jobs, contractual jobs, season/on-call jobs and informal business.

Types of Jobs Number of Response Regular jobs 10 participants Contractual jobs (i.e construction 6 participants workers) Season/on-call jobs - Informal business 4 participants

Based on the response of the participants, it was found out that there are families who have members that are involved in two different types of jobs. There are families who have a member whose job is in construction and a member who has a sari-sari store.

Based on the discussion, majority of the participants have steady income. To augment the income of those who have contractual jobs, other family members engage in informal businesses such as sari- sari stores.

The participants were asked what the pleasant and unpleasant experiences they have had ever since they lived in the resettlement area.

Pleasant Unpleasant Physical There is water & electricity Going to the upper units is available exhausting The people have decent and The water system have improved houses problems & there is a leak in the upper units The hallway is smelly Socio-Cultural There is peace and order Noisy There are stealing incidents Economic People are more diligent in looking The place is too far for jobs and other means of living People needs to ride to get so they can pay the rent to work People have more access to jobs Environmental Safe from disaster Safe from flood The place is peaceful - The place is cleaner Institutional The Homeowner’s Association is There is no cooperation in okay the Homeowner’s Association Technological There is internet connection and a - computer shop

Regarding the Homeowners’ Association (HoA), one of the leaders said that one of the problems in their building is that there are people who do not follow the rules and do not want to cooperate with the HoA.

The participants were asked to group themselves according to their sector. The sectors were: Elderly Women Menfolk Youth People with Disabilities

The participants were asked what are the conditions or things that lighten their lives in the relocation area:

Physical Socio- Economic Env’tal Institutional Technological Cultural

Elderly Comfort room Their units is better & has are airy shower The market & school is walkable No need to fetch water from common sources.

Women They have their Even if the own comfort monthly due room, and it is high, they even has a are able to shower. do business. Their units have water & electricity supply Menfolk Youth Place of leisure is nearer PWDs

The participants were asked to remain in their grouping and they were asked what are the conditions or things that aggravate their lives in their new community:

Physical Socio-Cultural Economic Env’tal Institutional Technological Elderly There are There are people who many urinates in the mosquitoes. hallway The place is There are not too clean “tambay” Trash are not who always disposed hang out in properly the hallway There are people who lacks urbanity (“urbanidad”) Women There are They have to more pay monthly expenses dues to the because HoA

aside from the daily expenses, they have to pay monthly dues. Menfolk Youth There are youth that are addicted to drugs There are a lot of out-of- school youth PWDs

The participants were asked if there are organizations such as Homeowner’s Association (HoA) in Eusebio Bliss. All the buildings have their respective HoAs.

Ms. Doble asked what the objectives of the organizations are. One of the leaders of the HoA said that one of the objectives of their organization is to enforce peace and order in their building. They also try to maintain the cleanliness of the hallways. As a follow up, Ms. Doble asked the benefits the individuals get if they join the organization. One of the participants mentioned that the HoAs impose rules and regulations that are for the good of the community. Although, they also mentioned that there are people who do not follow the rules.

The participants were asked the important changes that happened in their lives since they lived in their new community:

Physical Socio-Cultural Economic Env’tal Institutional Technological Elderly Women There is no It’s more Not muddy danger of comfortable Not affected by falling off the No difficulty with flooding bridge light & water The It is safer More surroundings is because independent and better there are self-sufficient lamppost There is more No leaky roofs harmony in the family because the livelihood is better

Menfolk Youth PWDs

Ms. Doble asked the participants what should be the considerations if they would do the resettlements planning.

Physical Socio-Cultural Economic Env’tal Institutional Technological Elderly On-site “Seniority” would House do not have to be necessarily have considered to be big (Those who lived Two floors (Up in the area longer and Down) should be Basketball prioritized) Chapel

Women On-site Indigent (mahirap Livelihood Space to Established Wifi Pharmacy/Clinic na mamamayan) within the plant HoA Communica MRB Has no capacity area horseradish Local Gov’t tion Single detach to buy and other (City Gov’t) Cellphone 36 sqm (floor vegetables has firmer area) political will House & lot Chapel Multi-purpose hall Menfolk Youth PWDs

The participants stated that for the considerations to be taken into account for resettlement plans, the people would have to work with the city government since they have the mandate to answer the needs of the people.

What are you expectations for your family’s life in the resettlement in the next five years (2014- 2019), in the next five years (2020-2025) and in the next five years (2026-2030), based on the following aspects: House and Community Structures State of Living Community Situation

2014-2019 2020-2025 2026-2030

More crowded An established HoA The place would not be Business has leveled up Will be able transfer pleasant Payments for lot will increase someplace where they can No more Informal Settlers (PhP 1,000 – PhP 1,350) own the land Families More progressive Will return to the province

Some of the participants, specifically the elderly, are hoping that they would still have the opportunity to go back to their respective provinces. They are optimistic that if the provinces are developed, there will no longer be informal settlers in because the people do not necessarily have to go to the city to work.

To conclude the activity, the participants expressed that they hope that their dreams for better housing would come true. Ms. Doble assured the people that the project team would use the information gathered for the creation of the guidebook.

D. CLOSING AND AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES

The process ended with Ms. Doble thanking everyone for sharing their time and their ideas. Ms. Doble also led the awarding of the certificates to the participants as well as the small tokens of appreciation which the participants seems to be thankful for.

Prepared by:

Joan Therese R. Domingo

Annex A Pictures

Participants assembling for the Focus Group Discussion in Eusebio Bliss

Ms. Creselda Doble welcoming the participants and explaining the objectives of the Focus Group Discussion

Transformative Urban Resettlement in Metro Manila Focus Group Discussion Southville 7, Calauan Laguna March 19, 2014 Facilitator: Ms. Creselda O. Doble

Documentor: Dhen Mark R. Valera

Support Staff: Joan Therese Domingo Dana de Guzman Althea Muriel Pineda

I. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND THE STAFF

Ms. Creselda Doble gave the participants’ time to introduce their selves – name, place of origin and how long they had been relocated in the resettlement site.

Most of the participants were from Estero de Paco, which were situated in major waterways or considered as danger zone in Manila, while others were from Makati, Pandacan (Manila) and Pasig.

II. OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM OF THE FGD

Program Overview

Ms. Creselda Doble briefly gave an overview of the program – from ICD phase 1, in which the project focused on informal settlements in Metro Manila and conducted focus group discussion and mapping activity. On the second phase, project focused on transformation of urban resettlement.

III. FGD Proper

Question 1:

The participants were asked about the following questions: 1) the kind of living in their previous community in their place of origin, 2) the reason/s of eviction, 3) agency/s who helped or managed the relocation and 4) is there consultation before eviction?

REASON/S ORGANIZATION INVOLVED IS THERE CONSULTATION? Ondoy LGU Tripping Road Widening NHA Force Eviction Danger Zone DSWD AFI CARITAS

Mostly participants or relocates in Pasig were evicted due to typhoon Ondoy last September 2009. Their house was flooded and most of their things were damaged, that’s why the local government decided to relocate them for their safety. Participants also answered that they were evicted due to their location – danger zone, like in Estero de Paco, while beneficiaries from Makati were relocated due to road widening projects of the local government.

According to the participants, there were consultations happened. In the case of beneficiaries from Sta. Lucia Pasig, NHA and Local Government of Pasig advised and offered the relocatees a housing program in Calauan Laguna and Antipolo. Beneficiaries were given a chance to visit the sites (tripping) for their evaluation.

In the case of beneficiaries in Makati, their mayor (currently the Vice President) asked them to attend seminars in HUDCC and in Urban Poor. The first priority of eviction was with that long span of living in the informal settlement. But then the mayor told his staff to relocate all informal settlers His reason was, as long as there are some families left in that place people tend to go back and squat again.

LGU course through some the financial assistance to DSWD for the benefit of relocates from pasig. Roughly fifteen thousand per family were given each, which will be used for connection of electricity, and window and door purchase. But still some beneficiaries failed to get the financial assistance due to inconsistencies of requirements.

Question 2:

The participants were grouped in to two. The next activity was composed of 6 questions which will tackle the kind of living before and after residing in the resettlement site. They were given 10 minutes to discuss each item.

NOON (Before) NGAYON (After) 1. Uri ng Bahay Half concrete, half light Sementado (cemented) - (House Structure) material substandard Hardiflex 2. Ilang tao sa bahay 5 tao 6 na bilang ng tao sa (Number of person in (5 persons) bahay household) (6 persons) 3. Ilang pamilya 2 family 1 pamilya (Number of families) (1 family) 4. Gastusin ng pamilya sa PhP 500 PhP 400 kada araw araw-araw (PhP 400 per day)

(expenses of family per day) 5. Kapamilya na di nag- Wala 2 bata aaral (None) (2 children) (out-of-school family member) 6. Kapamilya na walang Lahat nagta-trabaho 3 kapamilya walang trabaho (all employed) trabaho (unemployed family (3 family members member) unemployed) Ilang tao sa bahay (number of person per household)

Based on the participants, some of the relatives of the beneficiaries came and resides together with them.

Ilang pamilya (number of families)

According to the participants, each family member avail the housing program of NHA, that is why in the table above shows the decrease of number of family member per household.

Gastusin ng pamilya sa araw-araw (expenses of family per day)

Data shows that there is a reduction of expenses per household because there is also a decrease in number of families.

Kapamilya na di nag-aaral (out-of-school family member)

The participants said that there are only behavioural issues that is why some of their siblings or children don’t want to go to school, as in fact, AFI already built school near the community.

Kapamilya na walang trabaho (unemployed family member)

According to the participants, some of the relocatees lost their jobs because of its far distance. Others managed to go home by weekend and stay in Manila on weekdays.

Question 3:

The participants were asked if what are the jobs or means of income of the beneficiaries in the community. Construction worker is the common job of males but they tend to stay in Manila and go home every weekend. They usually stay in the barracks or rent a house. There are also vendors. Some regular employees such as working in the call centers managed to stay in their jobs.

Question 4:

Participants were asked to enumerate pleasant and unpleasant things happened to them while residing in the resettlement site.

KAAYA-AYA DI KAAYA-AYA (Pleasant) (Unpleasant) PHYSICAL Malaki at maluwag ang kalsada (big and spacious road) Walang malapit na ospital Maluwag na ang bahay at (no accessible hospitals) mapayapa na ang paninirahan Madilim na daanan (Spacious house and peaceful (no street lights) living) No drug store near the AFI (Sports clinic, youth center, community basketball court, volleyball court and playground) Ambulansya (ambulance) – Don Bosco

SOCIO-CULTURAL Koreano nagbigay ng school supplies/uniform at bible Walang kuryente/walang (Koreans gave school potable water supplies/uniforms and bible) (no supplies of electricity and Medical Mission (SMC, Don potable water) Bosco, Barangay, Caritas) Kakulangan sa kagamitan sa Nagsisimba na ang pamilya eskwelahan nakakatulong sa spiritual (Lack of school supplies and/or (families go to church for their facilities) spiritual needs) May bayad ang driver ng Koreano – welcome lahat at ambulansya at walang driver nakakatulong sa spiritual at (they need to pay for driver of pangkalusugan (vitamins) ambulance) (Koreans – everybody is May clinic walang doctor welcome and they can help us (there’s a clinic but has no spiritually and in our health) doctor) Incomplete facilities ECONOMIC AFI, nagkakaroon ng mga seminar para sa livelihood, Maraming unemployed (Lots of health, DRRM at clean and unemployed) green (AFI conducted seminar on

livelihood, health, DRRM, and Clean and Green. Trabaho, card making (Jobs, card making)

ENVIRONMENTAL May MRF (There’s a material recovery Maraming nagsusunog (burning facility) of garbage) Nagsesegregate (Segregation) May ecoboys/girls (there’s ecoboy/girl) INSTITUTIONAL HoA (Homeowners Association) Marshall, barangay tanod Maraming nakawan (Robbery (barangay police), block leaders and snatching) TECHNOLOGICAL Mahina ang signal (Problem with communication signal) HoA (Homeowners Association)

Ms. Doble asked the participants if there were mechanisms created for disaster preparedness. According to Mr. Mark, there were disaster risk reduction, fire brigade, and first aid trainings that HoA officials attended.

Ms. Doble suggested having a good relationship with the local government of Calauan. For some instance, it could help them to assist in securing the community with the help of barangay while for health concerns, since doctors in the clinic are scheduled only, they can ask referral from their clinic to public hospital of Calauan.

Question 5 an d 6:

Ms. Doble asked the participants to grouped themselves according to the sector they were involved. They also need to identify things that ease and burden to their way of living based on six (6) dimensions.

Bagay-bagay na nagpapagaan sa pamumuhay sa resettlement site (Things that ease the way of living in the resettlement site)

Physical Socio-cultural Economics Environmental Institutional Technological

Women Kapanatagan Natutong mag- sa isip ng kasiguraduhan pagkakakitaan at ng pamamahay natutong (Security of magtanim tenure) (learned other Matahimik at means of income mapayapang and planting as kapaligiran example) (Peaceful Natutong community) magbudget ng Napag-aralan gastusin (learned na ang tamang how to budget nutrisyon at na expenses) apply na sa Mga pamilya pagkakataong (education on bibigay ang right nutrition pangkabuhayan and apply it to (Livelihood was their family) provided) Tamang

komunikasyon sa pamilya at kamag-anakan (communicatio n with the family and relatives) Pakikipag- ugnayan sa diyos (interaction with God)

Elderly Bahay at Aerobics Tanim ng Sariwang kalsada mas (Tuesday, makakain hindi hangin (fresh maganda Thursday and na bibili (planting air) (house and Saturday) foods so that Tulong-tulong roads are Don Bosco Bible they won’t buy in sa paglilinis ng much study every the market) kalye tuwing pleasant) Tuesday with Trabaho – sabado Sariling family Labandera sa (helping each bahay Clinic pero Manila at Laguna, other in (security of wala/kulang ang massage, bantay cleaning tenure) gamit (there’s a sa nawasa (Jobs – streets every Lakad lang clinic but lack of Laundress in Saturday) ang palengke facilities and Manila and (walkable equipment) Laguna, maasage markets) and guard at nawasa – water supplier)

Children/Youth Youth Camp Youth Project Children’s month Sports fest Youth seminar

Persons with disability

Menfolk Kasiguraduha Environment Mga di aktibo n sa tirahan Maganda na miyembro (Security of (environment at official list tenure) is beautiful) ng HoA Malapit sa (inactive school (near members and the school) official list of HoA) AFI-LGU-NGO

Elderly and menfolk had the same answer of having security of tenure. According to them, residing in Floodway Manggahan Pasig everyday made them worried because of eviction, while during typhoon seasons, they were bothered of being flooded that could damage their house, appliances and/or other belongings.

Most of the participants shared their own ideas of things that ease their way of living which usually falls under the socio-cultural dimension.

Bagay-bagay na nagpapabigat sa pamumuhay sa resettlement site (Things that encumbrance the way of living in the resettlement site)

Physical Socio-cultural Economics Environmental Institutional Technological

Women Mga Kakulangan sa iresponsable at budget (lack of pagiging budget) malayo sa mga ama ng tahanan (irresponsible and far distance of fathers due to work) Mga anak at kamag-anak na pasaway (children and relatives who are stubborn or trouble- maker)

Elderly Pamilya iba nasa Manila uuwi tuwing linggo o buwanan (other families

are in Manila and go home every Sunday or monthly only)

Children/Youth Case of rape, Drug user Prostitution discrimination

Persons with disability

Menfolk malayong malayo sa ospital hanapbuhay (hospitals are (works are far far) from the new community) kulang sa hanapbuhay (lack of jobs) The participants have still different sentiments regarding their economic living in the resettlement site. They were grateful of having a house but still complaining of losing their job. Looking for their new means of income was difficult for them since there are no factories near the community, and mostly agriculture was the suitable work.

Question 7:

The participants were asked if there are associations in the resettlement site and identify their roles in the community or each individual. According to one of the officials of the homeowners association (which happened to be the participants), the association was in charge of the planning of housing programs. They also focused on solving problems with electricity and water supplies.

Question 8:

Ms. Doble gave a situation to the participants wherein they will be involved to a planning process of building a resettlement area, and then asked if what were the things they will consider (in terms of the 5 dimensions – Physical, Social, Economic, Livelihood, Institutional and Technological).

Physical Socio-cultural Economics Environmental Institutional Technological

Women Kulungan para Sariling radio Learning and sa lasingero station livelihood (jail for (community center drunkards) owned a radio Drugstore station) Palengke Women’s desk (market) May gate at security (there’s a gate and security guard)

Elderly Hospital

Children/Youth Bike Center Youth desk Malapit na Tablet for (bike for rent) mall (nearby schools Playground mall) Wi-fi Health center Training center Auditorium Gymnasium Street lights

Persons with disability

Menfolk Meron ng tubig May Free wi-fi at kuryente kabuhayan

(there’s supply (there’s of electricity livelihood) and water) Meron ng ospital na sarili (ospital in the community) May Simbahan (church) Palengke (market) Meron ng sementeryo (cemetery near the community) May sariling club house (the community has its own clubhouse)

Based on the table above, most of the participants focused on putting up physical infrastructure on the resettlement site. At least, participants considered the interest of the community.

Question 9:

Ms. Doble asked the participants to enumerate the transformation happened in their lives after the relocation.

Physical Socio-cultural Economics Environmental Institutional Technological Women Mas maayos na Nagkakalayo Nakakatipid tirahan (better ang pamilya (saves money) living) (far distance to Mas mahirap the family) kumita ng pera sa nilipitan (difficulty to earn money)

Elderly Lugar (location)

Children/Youth Madaling kumita ng pera, diskarte lang (it’s easy to earn money)

Persons with disability

Menfolk Improvement in Budgeting With safety health Food Security and security (disasters and hazards)

The table shows that beneficiaries gain more changes in their lives in terms of economics, more on positive changes. They could budget their income and saves money since within the community they can sell foods or services informally or plant vegetables for food and for selling.

Participants also shared that their health improved since the area was less polluted that in Metro Manila.

Question 10:

Ms. Doble asked the imaginative thinking of each participant to identify things that will happen in their lives in the first 5 years (2014-2019), next 5 years (2020-2025) and next 5 years (2026-2030) of residing in the resettlement site.

2014-2019 2020-2025 2026-2030

Magiging future leaders Hospital Magkaroon ng factory (there wil be future Makatapos ang mga (to have factories leaders) anak (Their children nearby) Tubig (water) 100% finished already their Sariling bahay, fully paid Kuryente (electricity) studies) (owned the unit, fully 100% College/university paid) May may kooperasyon Mas maraming tao May kotse na ang mga ang HoA (full (more people to occupy opisyales (HoA officials cooperation of HoA) the vacant lot) have their own cars) Matutong magsegregate Mall (leraned to segregate) Maging barangay na ang Waste segregation southville VII (Southville among home owners VII will be village Zero plastic already) Laguna already polluted Hindi na tatawaging resettlement (Southville 7 will not be called resettlement anymore) May gate na ang southville 7 (gated community)

The table shows that improvements on basic services and waste management will be improved in the first 5 years of residing in the resettlement site. After the next five (5) years participants were more imaginative like for their concerns in social aspect will have a solution – putting up college/university

and hospital within the community. The last five years’ highlight of the timeline was the beneficiaries already paid the whole payment of their unit.

IV. Closing Remarks

Ms. Doble ended the session by giving a statement of encouragement to the participants. The participants asked for a group picture.

V. Awarding of certificates and Distribution of tokens

Each participant received token (2 kilograms of rice) and a certificate of participation.

Photo Documentation

Introduction of each participant

Brainstorming of the participants while answering the first question.

“Question no.2” The participants were grouped into two.

One of the participants volunteered to explain the answers on question no. 2

Q4. Pleasant and unpleasant things experienced by the relocatees in the resettlement site

Lunch break

Ms. Dana de Guzman (support staff) facilitate the discussion of the other group.

Things that ease and encumbrance the way of living of the participants in the resettlement site.

Timeline. Participants’ view of their lives after 5 years (2014-2019), next 5 years (2020-2025) and next 5 years (2026-2030)

Awarding of certificates and tokens to the participants.

Group Photo. The participants and the staff

Transformative Urban Resettlement in Metro Manila Focus Group Discussion Southville 7, Villa San Isidro, Rodriguez March 19, 2014 Facilitated by Ms.Creselda O. Doble

Documented by Quin A. Cruz, Dhen Mark R. Valera, Joan Therese Domingo and Althea Muriel Pineda

(Aerial view map of the Southville Phase 8, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal)

PASIG RIVER REHABILITATION BACKGROUND (History and Background):

Through Manila's early history, the Pasig River which runs through the heart of the metropolis was the city's center and lifeline. It was the principal means of transport, and the big warehouses and factories were on the river as well as the houses of the rich, including the presidential palace. However, after World War II and with population growth, road construction, and newer business location strategies, the city center moved from the river to other sites. Makati, for example, became the city's business center. The river was largely abandoned. Many

urban poor people moved in, factories were abandoned, and the wealthy moved off. The river became the sewer of the city rather than its lifeline.

The Pasig River system is a strategic and environmentally endangered waterway. Winding through the most densely populated areas in the country's National Capital Region (NCR), the river links Manila Bay in the west with Laguna Lake in the east.

The river is 26 kilometers long, 50 meters wide, and an average of four to six meters deep. The river basin includes eight cities and three municipalities,: Pasig City, City of Manila, Pateros, Caloocan City, Marikina City, Pasay City, Taguig, , San Juan, City, and Makati City. The Pasig River basin area is 570 sq. km.

Deterioration of the Pasig River became noticeable as far back as the 1930s. During that period, fish migration from Laguna Lake began to diminish. In the 1950s, there was a drop in bathing activities in the Pasig. In the 1960s, people no longer used the river for washing clothes. Ferry boat transport also began to decline. By the 1970s, the river began to give off an offensive smell, especially during the dry season. In early 1980s, all fishing activity within the river system was no longer possible.

By the early 1990s, the Pasig River was generally considered biologically inactive. Health authorities found its coliform content to be extraordinarily high, making the river a vector for disease. Entire stretches of the water had acquired a dark, murky color. Huge islands of floating garbage encrusted the water surface in many parts of the river system. Sunken boats and abandoned barges made navigation not only difficult but hazardous. Along with factories, commercial establishments and houses, colonies of makeshift shanties lined long stretches of the riverbank, as well as major creeks and esteros. Flooding in many areas along the river also became more frequent.

Rehabilitation of the Pasig River began in 1991 with help from the Danish aid agency DANIDA. Emphasis was on improving water quality and environmental matters. During the Ramos administration some 5,000 families living on stilts were relocated, mostly to Dasmarias, Cavite. The people were said to be major polluters of the river. Studies show between 30 and 40% of these people returned to Manila for economic reasons.

During the Estrada years evictions took place again affecting families living within 10 meters of the river. This extension of the easement from three meters in the national Water Code was done by resolutions of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and is hotly contested. Lawyers say the MMDA doesn't have the power to change a national law. Approximately 5,000 families were evicted, most of whom were sent to Kasiglahan Village I, Montalban, also known as "Erap City."

In August 2000 the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government signed an agreement that would eventually give equal priority to the environment and the people living along the banks. In September 2000 the residents of Pineda resisted demolition. One member of the demolition team was killed, and ADB told the government to stop all evictions and deal with the people in a more humane way.

In the two series of evictions, the NGOs working on the river cooperated with the government. However, this relationship changed in September 2000 when the Pineda community organized to resist demolition. This story will be told below.

The water cleaning part of the project is making progress, according to ADB officials. The urban renewal work is not, and indeed the lack of progress seriously tempted the ADB to cancel the loan agreement in 2003.

It was Typhoon Pepeng and Typhoon Ondoy convince the ISFs along the major tributaries to voluntarily relocate in more safer area, most of the relocatees came from Manila City.

Those who have opted to be relocated or who have simply been forced to relocate by the government have been relocated to:

1. Kasiglahan Village I: Rodriguez, Rizal 2. Kasiglahan Village II: c5, Taguig City 3. Kasiglahan Village III: TreceMartires, Cavite 4. Kasiglahan Village IV & V: General Trias, Cavite 5. Villa San Isidro: Rodriguez, Rizal 6. Jaime Cardinal Sin Village: Sta. Ana, Manila

SHELTER AGENCY BACKGROUND:

The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commissionis a state commission in-charge of the rehabilitation of Pasig River. The body was created on January 1999 through Executive Order 54 to strengthen the government's program to rehabilitate the river for transportation, recreation and tourism purposes. Private companies were given a license to coordinate with the commission concerning the rehabilitation program through the amendment of Executive Order 65.

INTRODUCTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS (Getting to know)

Ms.CreseldaDoble allowed the participants’ first to introduced theirselves – their name, place of origin and how long they already lived in the resettlement site in informal “kwentuhan” style.

Most of the participants are resettled 2-4 years after relocated from City of Manila wherein they were situated in waterways and considered as danger zone in Manila.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM OF THE FGD

Program Overview

Ms.CreseldaDoblebriefly gave an overview of the program – from ICD phase 1, in which the project focused on informal settlements in Metro Manila and conducted also focus group discussion, up to the current project about transformative urban resettlement which is directly related to the first phase.

FGD Proper

Question 1:

The participants were asked the following questions: 1) the kind of living in their previous community in their place of origin, 2) the reason/s of eviction, 3) agency/s who helped or managed for their relocation and 4) is there consultation before the eviction?

REASON/S ORGANIZATION INVOLVED IS THERE CONSULTATION?

Ondoy LGU (Manila) Tripping Relocation PRRC Voluntary Eviction Danger Zone

Output from the Participants

Its been a declared policy of the national government that all waterways areas must have at least 3 meter easement, the PRRC together with other agancies involved are tasked to implement the necessary option in clearing and rehabilitating however its been the challenges and problem of the commission since the ISFs don’t want to be relocated off the city. Due to the risks they experienced during Typhoon Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng, the ISFs volunteer torelocated in Southville 7 and 8.

According to the participants, there were consultations happened. They consider tripping and open forum as a means of consultation with the PRRC, NHA and Local Government of Manila.

PRRC Objectives of Relocation

The overall objectives are to improve environmental management of the Pasig River basin within Metro Manila, particularly for wastewater management and to promote urban renewal. The specific purpose is to restore and sustain Class C water quality standard for the Pasig River.An important component is the establishment of 10-meter wide environmental preservation areas (EPAs) along approximately 23 km. of both banks of the Pasig River. The establishment of EPAs is essential to (i) ensure public safety, and provide a buffer zone between the river and resident population to protect them from flooding; (ii) enable environmental management, and reduce the direct discharge of untreated liquid and solid wastes to the river, (iii) provide access to the river for emergencies, maintenance, river transport, and amenities; and (iv) provide recreation areas like riverside parks, greenbelts, and promenades. To establish the EPAs, it is necessary to relocate informal settler families currently living along the riverbanks in dangerous, depressed, and unsanitary conditions.

Question 2:

The participants were grouped in to two. The next activity is composed on 6 questions which will tackle the kind of living before and after residing in the new community. They were given 10 minutes to discuss each item.

NOON (Before) NGAYON (After) Cemented concrete 1. Uri ng Bahay Coco lumber / plywood (House Structure) Small 7-8 persons 7 persons 2. Ilang tao sa bahay (Number of person in household) 2 families 1 family 3. Ilangpamilya (Number of families) P500.00 P300 per day 4. Gastusin ng pamilya sa araw-araw (expenses of family per day) None 1-2bata 5. Kapamilya na di nag- (2 children) aaral (out-of-school family member)

6. Kapamilya na walang 0 1 family member trabaho (unemployed family

member)

Ilang tao sa bahay (number of person per household)

Based on the participants, some of the relatives of the beneficiaries came and resides together with them, and since every family is considered to have a relocation package they split into different household.

Ilang pamilya (number of families)

According to the participants, each family member avail the housing program of NHA, that is why in the table above shows the decrease of number of family member per household.

Gastusin ng pamilya sa araw-araw (expenses of family per day)

Data shows that there is andecreased of expenses per household because family members who happens to work in Manila rent a barracks/roomfor their work.

Kapamilya na di nag-aaral (out-of-school family member)

The participants said that there is a problem in distance going to school, they also highlighted the need for upgrade for education services.

Kapamilya na walang trabaho (unemployed family member)

According to the participants, some of the relocatees lost their jobs because of its far distance.

Question 3:

The participants were asked if what are the jobs or means of income of the beneficiaries in the community.Casual and contractual employeesare the common job.there are also vendors other involved in direct sales like avon, broadway etc. Some participants have family members working abroad or at least have a regular work in manila.

Question 4:

According to their groupings, participants were asked to enumerate pleasant and unpleasant things happened to them while residing in the resettlement site.

KAAYA-AYA DI KAAYA-AYA

(Pleasant) (Unpleasant)

PHYSICAL Classy house Far from the market

Strong structure of the Far from the downtown house

SOCIO-CULTURAL ladies brigade Insufficient of education services

(school equipment / building)

Lack of doctors and medicines

ECONOMIC Urban gardening Inadequate livelihood programs

ENVIRONMENTAL Waste segregation Charcoal business

INSTITUTIONAL Friendly PRRC Many association

TECHNOLOGICAL Poor signal

Question 5& 6:

Things or Conditions that lighten (question no.5) and aggravate (question no. 6) the lives of the community.

Nagpapagaang (Lighten) Nagpapabigat (aggravate) Physical: Comfortable, Women resilient house compare to Physical: far from school and other neighbouring market subdivision. Socio-cultural: No family planning, Lending with high Environment: can plant interest

Economic: costly expenses

High-priced bill of electricity

Expensive medicines

Institutional: the barangay is not concern to us Physical: Physical: Elderly Better house and road No chance to have sidelines

Own house Accessible market Socio-Cultural:association of elderly was not within the community

Physical: lack of facilities Children / Youth no covered court Transportation Socio Cultural: no youth org Riot Far from school Bad influence Hunger Out-of-school youth stinky Economic: insufficient livelihood program Technological slow connection in the internet

Menfolk

Question 7:

Presence of women’s group (ladies briegade, kababaihan org etc) is highly observed, break- away groups like PRRC awardees Inc., SamahangMagkakapit-bahayare part of the community governance challenges,There is existing disputes between the current and previous HOA officials, that leads to creation of different association within the community. There is also an issue regarding to the liquidation of 1Million budget intended for livelihood programs.

There is also a presence of political organization headed by the wife of Mayor of Rodriguez Rizal that signify local integration for them.

Question 8:

Over-all the relocatees felt the gradual changes in their life but there are challenges in their socio-economic needs.

Question 9:

Ms. Doble asked the participants about the things they will consider if they will be part of the planning process of building a new resettlement site of any Government and non-government agencies that are involved in resettlement project.

Physical Socio- Econo Environment Institutional Technologi Cultural mic cal Free-Wifi Youth / Not in Childre the n danger zone and flood prone area School Decent There should be a Wome must environment barangay police roving n have Free from in the community sufficient pollution facilities

In-city Near There should be one Elderly relocatio from legit association n work Spacious gardenin g

Menfol k

Question 10:

2014 – 2019 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 start to pay the improving communtiy transferred to a better moratorium crowded house livelihood programs family planning crowded good relation with the business polluted receiving barangay finished college cooperation of each member segregation

2014 – 2019

They are aware that they have obligation in paying scheme since the moratorium will be lifted and the PRRC will start to collect their monthly fees.

They also want to feel the connection in the services of the LGU (Brgy. And City)

2020 – 2025

Programs for RH is really needed, they feel that their community will be over populated if not engage in family planning.

It suggests that the participants value education because they are optismic that their children will finish studies, they also want to have college or university in the area.

2026 – 2030

By this time, it suggests that they will transfer to a better community.

Lessons learned:

Distant relocation is never a good solution. It has never worked well.

We have to work long and hard to be successful. Nothing good is freely given.

While we work for land and housing we should also take care of food, health and the education of the children. These can be forgotten though they are the great problems of the very poor. They are often forgotten because leaders tend to be better off than ordinary members.

There is no one way to organize. We must suit the organizing style and temperature to the concrete situation and community.

The mayors are powerful figures in Philippine law and it is difficult to oppose them.

There are good government officials who will help.

The solutions proposed by poor people here are more and more the solutions we find in the literature proposed in other countries and by the UN and multi-lateral bodies. The older traditional solutions are now discredited, though our political leaders hold on to them, such as high rise tenements as a major solution to slums.

Closing Remarks - Awarding of Certificates and Distribution of Tokens

Photodocumentation

Registration of the participants

One of the participant jots down the answers while others brainstorm.

The participant try analyzing their answers to what dimension it belong.

The group of elderly answering the question no. 5 and 6.

The participants were interested on Ms. Doble’s information on how to budget their money in order to pay their house.

Transformative Urban Resettlement in Metro Manila Focus Group Discussion Bistekville, Quezon City March 27, 2014 Facilitator: Mrs. Creselda O. Doble

Documentor: Trista Vega (intern)

Support Staff: Joan Therese Domingo Quin Cruz Dhen Mark Valera

I. OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY AND THE PURPOSE OF THE FGD

Mrs. Creselda Doble briefly discussed the purpose of the Transformative Urban Resettlement in Metro Manila Study. She also discussed the important role FGDs play in the process of gathering data and information for the study.

II. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND THE STAFF

After introducing herself as the main facilitator for the FGD, Mrs. Creselda Doble asked the participants to introduce themselves by stating their name, place of origin, and the number of months and/or years they have lived in the resettlement site.A considerable fraction of the participants hailed from Bagong Silangan.Mrs. Doble then proceeded to introduce the rest of the ASoG support staff present.

III. FGD Proper

Question 1:

The participants were asked about the following: 1) reason/s for eviction or relocation, 2) agencies, institutions, and organizations who helped or managed their relocation and 3) consultation before the eviction or relocation.

REASON/S ORGANIZATION INVOLVED IS THERE CONSULTATION? -relocation -Mayor Bistek -flooding/disasters -Bukluran (organization) -there was consultation -private property -Habitat for Humanity -they were asked to choose a -Local government relocation site -there was social preparation through Habitat for Humanity -a census was conducted

The main reasons why the participants were evicted and relocated were because some of them used to live in danger zones susceptible to floodingwhile a considerable number of the participants had to be relocated because they used to live on private property. The organizations, institutions, and agencies that helped manage and facilitate the relocation of the participants are Mayor Bistek, Bukluran (a people’s organization), Habitat for Humanity, and the local governments the participants were previously under. Through Habitat for Humanity, consultation was conducted before relocating the people. A census was also conducted and the people were allowed to choose a relocation site.

Question 2:

For the 2nd activity, the participants were randomly grouped into two groups. The 2nd activity aimed to compare the living conditions of the participants before relocating to their living conditions after relocating. The points of comparison are the following: 1) the type of house structure, 2) the number of individuals in one household, 3) the number of families in one household, 4) the average amount spent by a family per day, 5) the number of out-of-school family members, and 6) the number of unemployed family members.

NOON (Before) NGAYON (After) -made of wood - made of concrete 1. Uri ng Bahay -made of made of yero - spacious (Type of House - made of bamboo -the house is strong and resilient Structure) -made of stone

-6 -5 or more 2. Ilang tao sa bahay -3 (Number of individuals in one household) *average = 4 -1-2 3. Ilang pamilya -1 or 2 per house (Number of families) -P300-500 4. Gastusin ng pamilya sa -location is far from work araw-araw -P300 -increasing expenses (amount spent by one family per day) -1 family member that’s 5. Kapamilya na di nag- 0 supposed to be in high school aaral -1 youngest family member (out-of-school family -1 20-22 y.o. family member

members) that’s supposed to be in college -1 youngest sibling

6. Kapamilya na walang -2-3 -2nd sibling (20-22 y.o.) trabaho (unemployed family members)

1) the type of house structure

From houses made of wood, yero, bamboo, and stone in their previous settlement, the participants now reside in houses made of concrete. They also noted how their current houses are much more spacious than their houses before.

2) the number of individuals in one household

From having around 6 individuals in one household before, a single household now contains only around 4 individuals. The number of individuals in one household lessened upon relocation.

3) the number of families in one household

From having 1-2 families in a single household before, a single household continues to contain 1-2 families upon relocation.

4) the average amount spent by a family per day

The participants used to spend around P300 per day before but upon relocating, they now spend around P300-P500 per day. This increase in expenditure is attributed to the location of Bistekville being far from where the participants work.

5) the number of out-of-school family members

The number of out-of-school family members increased upon relocation.

6) the number of unemployed family members

The number of unemployed family members marginally decreased upon relocation.

Question 4:

Remaining divided into two groups, the participants were asked to enumerate the pleasant and unpleasant things about Bistekville. The answers were then organized by the support staff by dimension (physical, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological).

Kaaya-aya Di Kaaya-aya

Physical - the houses are nice -there’s no playground -safe from floods -the school for college students is far

Socio-Cultural - quiet and peaceful -always being stolen from -near school - undermined/being prejudiced against for being previous informal settlers

Economic -the goods from the talipapa are pricey

Environmental -clean environment -the smell of garbage - excretory waste from dogs everywhere

Institutional -the members of the community are more united -there are disaster risk reduction trainings - there are security mechanisms

Technological

The table above shows that the participants enumerated more pleasant things (8) about Bistekville than unpleasant things (7). The pleasant things about Bistekville include the houses/dwelling places, safety from floods, security mechanisms, and disaster risk reduction trainings. On the other hand, the unpleasant things about Bistekville include the smell of garbage, the excretory waste from dogs, and the pricey goods from the talipapa.

Question 5:

The participants were grouped by sector (women, elderly, youth, persons with disability, and menfolk). They were then asked to list down the things in their relocation site that have made their lives easier. The support staff organized the answers by dimension (physical, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological).

Physical Socio- Economic Envi- Institutional Techno Cultural ronmental -logical

Women -both the -the bond of -lower -we no elementary the family travel longer worry school and was further expenses/ about floods the high strengthene lower fare whenever it school are d rains near -the members of bistekville are beneficiaries of various projects

Elderly -safer -I can sleep -cleaner -improved -the houses better at relations with are no night the barangay longer because I closely right know the beside each community’s other safe -it’s cozier -more spacious

Children/ -there’s a -organized -there are Youth half-court youth computer -school’s shops (to near for the conduct high school research in) students

Persons w/ Disability

Menfolk

The things that have made their lives easier include the projects by Habitat for Humanity and other partner organizations, the improved relations with the local government, safety from floods, and the organized youth.

Question 6:

Remaining in their sector groups, the participants were asked to list down the things in their relocation site thathave made their lives more difficult. The support staff organized the answersby dimension (physical, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological).

Physical Socio- Economic Envi- Institutional Techno Cultural ronmental -logical

Women -payment -there for the should be houses – garbage/wa increasing ste disposal expenses facilities

-far from where the husbands work

Elderly -far from -far from -no more -security of the medical sideline tenure church services (ex. businesses and the Check-up) market

Children/ -far from -many -makalat Youth schools in outsiders because of Manila enter the ongoing premises construction -the younger members of the community don’t really cooperate with each other

Persons

w/ Disability

Menfolk

The different things that have made their lives more difficult enumerated above include issues about location (being far from where they work, being far from the market and the church, being far from schools in Manila, and being far from medical services). The lack of waste management facilities is also a grave concern for them.

Question 8:

The participants were then asked to list down the things they would consider and prioritize if they were given a chance to design a relocation site. The support staff organized the answers by dimension (physical, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological).

Physical Socio- Economic Envi- Institutional Techno Cultural ronmental -logical

Women -the -we have the -Habitat for homeless ability to pay Humanity, poor LGU, -those who partnership live near with the danger mayor zones -in city or near city -2 story building

Elderly

Children/ -35 sq. Youth meters

ideal size: 70 sq. meters

Persons w/ Disability

Menfolk From the table above, it could be seen that the participants think that low-cost housing should be made for the homeless poor and the people who live in danger zones. Location-wise, they think relocation sites should be located near the city or in the city itself. In terms of physical properties of the houses/dwelling places, they think 70 square meters is the ideal size while they would also prescribe two-story houses. For the resettlement’s success, they think fostering partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, LGUs, and the mayor is important.

Question 9:

Remaining in their sector groups, the participants were asked to list down the positive changes they have observed upon moving to their relocation site. The support staff organized the answers by dimension (physical, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological).

Physical Socio- Economic Envi- Institutional Techno Cultural ronmental -logical

Women -cleaner -no more -no more houses/ gambling flooding/far dwelling from places calamities -safety from accidents

Elderly -there’s discipline

Children/ -can now -no more Youth study in a apprehension quiet and s regarding orderly the possibility house of eviction -gained more friends

Persons w/ Disability

Menfolk -the people no longer

tarry and drink as often as before

The positive changes listed above include behavioral changes such as less gambling, less drinking, and becoming more disciplined. A considerable fraction of participants also said that they have no more apprehensions regarding the possibility of eviction and they no longer worry about flooding as much as before.

Question 10:

The participants were asked about their dreams for themselves, the community, and Bistekville as a whole in the future. The table below contains the dreams of the participants from 2014-2019, 2020- 2025, and 2026-2030.

2014-2019 2020-2025 2026-2030

-refurbished house with -to have already graduated -for the houses to be fully ours extension college -to get ahead in life -for the people from Bagong -to have a job/to be employed -thinking about moving to a Silangan to successfully -for our children to finish better place relocate schooling -to have my own company -employment opportunities -for Bistekville to be more -for there to be trees developed -to rent out our houses because we own them already and we’ve relocated to a better place

The vision of the participants for 2014-2019 focuses on enhancing the dwelling places and obtaining more employment opportunities while their vision for 2020-2025 is primarily concerned with education. They want their children to finish formal education and eventually be employed. The vision of the participants for 2026-2030is rather incoherent. It includes having more trees in Bistekville, fully owning the houses/dwelling places, getting ahead in life, owning their own companies, and renting out the houses/dwelling places when they are finally capable of moving to a better place.

IV. Closing Remarks

Mrs. Doble concluded the FGD. She also thanked the participants for joining the discussion.

V. Awarding of Certificates and Distribution of Tokens

Mrs. Doble awarded certificates to all of the participants. The tokens (2 kilograms of rice each) for the participants were also distributed.

Photo Documentation

Loftable units in Bistekville.

The team prepare the things for FGD.

Ms. Doble gave a brief discussion about the project and the focus group discussion

Ms. Doble discussed the answers of the participants in the first question

Ms. Doble grouped the participants into two.

Awarding of certificates and token to the participants

Transformative Urban Resettlement in Metro Manila Focus Group Discussion NHA Towerville Phase 6 Brgy. Gaya-Gaya, San Jose del Monte Bulacan March 28, 2014 Facilitator: Ms. Creselda O. Doble

Documentor: Dhen Mark R. Valera

Support Staff: Joan Therese Domingo Quin Cruz Trista Vega

I. OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM OF THE FGD

Dr. Segundo Romero welcomed the participants. He gave the objectives of the discussion. He imparted that the project was the second phase of Informal City Dialogue which focused on informal settlers in Metro Manila, while the second phase deal on the transformation phase of the community from being an informal settler to a relocatee.

II. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND THE STAFF

Ms. Doble let the participants to introduce them together with some hint on how they were able to settle in the site. The staff also introduced their selves.

Place of Origin No. of years

Novaliches

Navotas, San Roque

Sta. Cruz Manila

Vitas, Tondo Manila 1 year

San Miguel Mendiola

Potrero Malabon

Nagtahan Sta. Mesa

Question 1: The participants were asked about the following: 1) reason/s of eviction or relocation, 2) agencies, institutions, and organizations that facilitate the relocation and 3) is there a consultation process happened.

May Konsultasyon Organisasyong Tumulong Dahilan -may census (Census) -NHA -danger zone (bagyong Pedring) -may notice re: 3 meters – -local govt -rehabilitation of Pasig River estero (notice: build withing -DSWD -Victims of typhoons 3 meters) -LGU-munisipyo -3 meters estero -pwedeng piliin kung saan -barangay chairman -demolish (private property) pupunta (selection of site) -DPWH -danger zone -may tripping – kami namili -ZOTO people's organization -project of DPWH (tripping) -VP noli de castro HUDCC -developed by the mayor for -sinabihan na kailangan -Gina Lopez/ ABS CBN Bistekville nilang magbayad (payment foundation scheme)

Most of the participants were evicted because of natural calamity like typhoon Ondoy (2009) and Pedring (2011). Some of the beneficiaries volunteered to resettle in Towerville because they had been worried of being flooded. Others were living in the danger zone that is why the Local Government (i.e Pasig and Manila) in cooperation with ABS CBN foundation convinced the informal settlers to be relocated.

Question 2: The next question asked by Ms. Doble discussed the way of life before and after relocation. The participants were randomly grouped into two.

Ngayon (Present) Noon (Past) 1. Uri ng bahay -cemented -light materials (half concrete) 2. Ilang tao sa bahay -3-5 -6 3. Ilang pamilya -1-2 -2 4. Gastusin ng pamilya sa araw-araw -P200-P300 -P300 5. Kapamilya na di nag-aaral -1 -4 6. Kapamilya na walang trabaho -2 -2

Based on the table above, the construction on the house of the participants was improved from light materials to concrete cement.

One of the participants shared that improvement there is an improvement in their lives because beneficiaries worked hard now than before. They now know how to budget things, earn money out of planting vegetables in their backyard, school is also near the community and they can even saves money.

The reason why there is a decrease of number of member per household is that, even the extended family, or the daughter or son of the beneficiaries had the opportunity to be registered.

Question 3: Ms. Doble asked the participants about the usual work or jobs of the beneficiaries in the community. Construction and security guard were the common jobs of menfolk. Some of the beneficiaries managed to establish a small store or other peddle their goods door-to-door.

Question 4: The participants were asked what the pleasant and unpleasant experiences they have had ever since they lived in the resettlement area

Di Kaaya-aya (Pleasant) Kaaya-aya (Unpleasant) Physical -issue on transportation (far) -own house -distant market -beautiful house -unlighted streetlights -studying -Faraway hospital, church and -decent living public market -not crowded - there are cracks -do not rent house -problems with the developer -spacious road Socio-Cultural -too far hospitals (issues on -new friends emergency cases) -peaceful -lack of services and drugs -time management -Unscrupulous motorist -comfortable life -ill-behaved youth -ill-behaved homeowners Economic -Lack of jobs (contractual o -Employment(store) regular) Environmental -insufficient trucks used for -segregation of garbage collecting garbage -safe -Clean place -space for planting vegetables -we can able to plant Institutional -residents vote in Manila -good relationship with the -peace and order (roving peace receiving LGU officer) -Long processing of water and electricity -lack of preparation from the sending LGU Technological -poor signal

One of the issue or unpleasant things happened to the participants was the transportation. They complain of being far from basic facilities or infrastructure (i.e. Market, and hospitals) and even from their jobs which made some of the relocatees to go home every weekend from their place of work.

Question 5 The next activity divide the participants into five (5), which is based on the sector they belong (women, menfolk, youth, PWD and elderly) and they will discuss the conditions or things that lighten their lives in terms of physical, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, institutional and technological dimensions. Physical Socio- Economic Environmental Institutional Technologi Cultural cal Women -safety -available -earning big -we can eat -relaxing with -not scared health -saves fresh foods from our new to be hit by center allowance our own planted house vehicles -budgeting veggies -secured of -near in the -my -learned how to having their school children plant and eat own house -there’s can play veggies supply of outside -no pollution water and and they -cosy electricity have new environment friends -far from pollution Elderly -peaceful living with the family Children -free wifi / Youth Persons -enough w/ space for Disabilit pwd y Menfolk -gradually -safe from we can sickness renovate the house

Question 6 The participants remained in their groupings and were asked about the things or conditions that aggravate their lives in the new community. Technologic Institutional Environmen Economic Socio- Physical al tal Cultural Women -poor signal -high-priced -expensive -no one barangay goods respond clearance -costly when there (before it water bill is trouble was just a -far from -dispute donation) work between -having Christian and lending Muslim -increase -riot of charge of students tempo -seller of light (from prohibited 100-200) drugs

Elderly -idler youth -far from every night hospital Children/ -far from Youth basketball courts -clash of students -gambling

Persons w/ Disability Menfolk -slow -the HoA -not enough -expensive -idler youth -mahal internet official trees in the sub meter -negative ang sometimes community situation of construct are the - peace and ion leader of neighborhoo order supplies illegal things d who don’t -there are sa in the know how to more pagpapa community segregate gambler in ganda ng the area bahay -dogs -gambling

The participants were asked if there is an association (i.e. HoA) in the community and what its role in the community and every member of the association. Each place of origin (5 areas - Navotas, Manila, Quezon City, Malabon etc) has HoA.

One of the NHA staff - as observer during the session, shared that each HoA was recognized by the agency but according to the law, there should only be one HoA per resettlement site. They encourage the relocatees to attend meeting so that they can organize and finalize the registration of the legit HoA.

Question 8 Ms. Doble asked the participants what should be the considerations if they would do the resettlements planning.

Technologi Institutional Environmen Economic Socio- Physical cal tal Cultural Women -close -unable to -far from -give the poor coordination plant in work opportunities of receiving MRBs -legitimate and sending informal settlers LGU only -in-city

Elderly -poor but can regularly pay -homeless -profiling -row house/single detached -far from dumpsite (smokey mountain) Children -people / are Youth accomm odating - peaceful Persons w/ Disabilit y Menfolk

The participants agreed that those who can avail are people who are most in need and are willing to pay according to the rules of NHA. They also shared that units must be allotted only to those who are truly informal settlers because some of the beneficiaries avail the lot with proper screening process.

Question 9: The participants were asked the important changes that happened in their lives since they lived in their new community:

Technolo Institu Environme Econo Socio- Physical gical tional ntal mic Cultural Women -learned to -renovating the mingle house -not associated -ownership with bad youth -new house, -giving new life importance to their own unit -new opportunity:ne w life Elderly Children/ -far from bad -spacious Youth influence Persons -there’s -had a chance to w/ cooperation afford housing Disability -give and take relationship in the community Menfolk

During the FGD session, one of the participants happily shared his own short quote of having his own house – “Bagong Bahay, Bagong Buhay” (New house, New life). He said that having own house made his dignity back. He now has the sense of responsibility of maintaining his unit good and paying it on time

Question 10 The participants were asked about their dreams for themselves and the community as a whole in the future. The table below contains the dreams of the participants from 2014-2019, 2020-2025, and 2026-2030.

2014-2019 2020-2025 2026-2030 -all units will have supply of water and -fully paid -to have mall in the electricity -the house was area -senior-citizen group already -we still live here -swimming pool and clubhouse awarded -regular ambulance and doctor -clean -police station -to have -cleaner surroundings hospital

-fire station -public market -payment system -strong relationship with homeowners association -cooperation of homeowner members - MRT station -shortcut going to the site

-lessen the crime rate

The table above shows that the participants considered the interest of the whole community rather than thinking of themselves on what would they be after the next 5 years of their lives.

One of the participants thought of having malls near the resettlement site because it could generate jobs.

I. Closing Remarks

Dr. Romero finished the session by expressing gratitude to the participants for their cooperation. He also added that all the information gathered by the team will be very important in writing the guidebook.

I. Awarding of Certificates and Distribution of Tokens

Ms. Doble awarded the certificates and handed the tokens to the participants.

Photodoumentation

Each participant had their chance to introduce their selves (name, place of origin and reason/s of being evicted)

Brainstorming of the participants. Mr. Quin Cruz facilitated the other group.

Ms. Doble presented the unpleasant and pleasant experiences of the participants in the community and asked them for some explanations.

Timeline answered by the participants.

Awarding of Certificates