CHR lauds gov’t housing program for informal settlers in NCR

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said that the action of the government to build 170,000 houses for informal settler families (ISFs) in Metro Manila was a “step in addressing issues of inadequate housing.”

“This commendable program reflects a positive step toward addressing the pressing issue of inadequate housing and internal displacement faced by these vulnerable communities,” the CHR said in a statement on Friday.

The project will be headed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development with the local government units of the National Capital Region.

READ: 170,000 houses being built for informal settlers

The CHR also mentioned that the United Nations Habitat estimated that the country has around 3.7 million ISFs and 500,000 people living in slums and high-risk areas for 2023.

“In line with this effort, we note the government’s initiative, particularly the relevant agencies, to institutionalize a program that incorporates grassroots and human rights-based approaches to efficiently plan, implement, and monitor ISF housing programs,” the CHR added.

The CHR also expressed hope that housing problems in the rural communities would be given solutions.

READ: DHSUD: Over 100,000 housing units due by 2024; 1 M units annually possible

“Moreover, we seek proper, decent, and understandable approaches when building temporary housing so that beneficiaries can continue to live a dignified life near their source of livelihood and families. We also hope that this program will be expanded to other parts of the country, particularly rural areas that require adequate housing,” the CHR said.