Pasay’s Maricaban Creek cleared of informal settlers

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MANILA, Philippines – The relocation of 649 informal settler families from Maricaban Creek in Pasay City has resulted in a turnover of the three-meter easement to barangay (village) officials, led by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

“The relocation will pave the way for the unimpeded development of flood management system for Metro Manila,” Roxas said. He added that the cleared area will “be secured by the government and properly marked as danger zones to prevent building of structures in the future.”

Maricaban Creek has previously been identified as one of eight priority waterways that have to be widened, dredged and cleared of structures, with families living along the creek voluntarily relocating from the area under the government’s “Oplan Likas” program since November 2013. The program, which is part of President Aquino’s “Covenant with the Poor,” aims to relocate ISFs living along designated “danger zones” in Metro Manila to safe, decent, and affordable housing units.

As of June 30, units amounting to P147.6 million have already been distributed to 738 ISFs from the Maricaban area, along with 1,845 starter food packs, 550 health kits, and P18,000 in financial assistance per family.

One of the relocated individuals has shared that her family, along with several others, are happy with their new homes and adjusting well to their new community.

In relation to the turnover, barangay officials have issued resolutions to accept responsibility for the vacated communities and to ensure that ISFs will not return to the area again.

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