In consultations, LGUs should anticipate getting demands from informal settlers in the project site, certain standards on the relocation site and support services. In this regard, in addition to conducting a socio-economic survey of the informal settlers, the LGU should discuss with the National Housing Authority the minimum standards for resettlement proposed by the Urban Poor Alliance, a social movement consisting of non-government organisations, peoples' organisations and individuals working for the rights of the urban poor sector to tenurial security and decent shelter.
Table 7: Minimum Standards for Resettlement
These standards shall not bind the LGU to what is beyond its capacity to implement rather they serve as a starting point of discussion. The LGU shall facilitate the process of site identification by discussing available lands within their jurisdictions. The LGUs Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) shall be reasonable references for this exercise.
Minimum Standards for Resettlement Four major aspects must be considered in providing relocation sites for displaced communities: Site Selection, Social Preparation, Housing and Site Development, and Basic Services. Site Selection ● Locations within municipalities and cities must first be considered as possible relocation sites. Only when all possibilities are explored that near city relocation is considered. ● Resettlement sites must be so geographically sound and away from health and environmental hazards. ● Resettlement must also be convenient for wage workers. In fact, the impact of transportation costs for wagers must be one of the criteria in selecting a relocation site Social Preparation ● General assemblies should be organized at the barangay level with representatives from concerned agencies (LGU, NHA, barangay) present ● Enough time should be given between the scheduled demolition/relocation and the consultation with families ● Ideal: 6 months preparation & demolition during summer. ● Options for livelihood & employment in & near the resettlement site should also be discussed ● Affected families must be represented in committees form ● Receiving LGUs should be included in the planning & initial stages of the resettlement process ● Sending LGUs should give financial support to families moving out of their jurisdiction ● "Trippings" should be continued Housing Site and Development ● Ideal: ready-to-occupy housing unit (4 walls, roof, door, functioning toilet with septic tank) is available upon transfer ● Families must be allowed to stay in their place of origin if they will build their own houses; making people live in tents should be avoided ● Roads to & within the resettlement site must be passable ● Drainage must be functioning ● Solid waste/garbage in the site must be regularly collected Basic Services Water and Electricity ● Clear timeframe must be given to families to meet the requirements to have the service connected; this must be indicated in a MOA with service providers (Meralco, Manila Water/MWSS) ● Electricity connection should come first as most water connections need electricity to function (i.e., water pumps) ● It is preferred that the NHA includes this in their budget & should be included in the computation of the families' monthly amortization ● It is suggested that 70% of the cost of having the electricity connected be shouldered by the developer. ● Meralco posts with transformers should be installed & "ready for use" in the relocation sites ● Water should be potable Education ● New school buildings/classrooms should have been built & ready to accommodate additional students from the relocated families at the time of relocation ● Aim for the ideal teacher-student ratio of 1: 40 Health ● One (1) health center for each relocation site with at least one (1) doctor, one (1) midwife, and trained health workers Transportation ● Creation of a transportation route/ system, otherwise cities must provide free shuttle service Livelihood ● Plans for livelihood should be supported by corresponding budgets ● Livelihood programs must go beyond training & must be able to supply credit ● A livelihood credit facility, ready to be accessed by qualified families; rules for accessing the facility must be made known prior to relocation ● Tap & contact MFIs committed to extending credit to the poor ● It has to be ensured that mechanisms for job creation on site must engender permanent and secure employment ● Allocate funds/ provide assistance to affected families for the inconvenience/disturbance resulting to their displacement |
Source: Urban Poor Legislative Agenda