SQUATTERS, now euphemistically called informal settlers, claim any available space as their own in the hope that long possession of the property owned by others shall entitle them to full ownership thereof.
The government bodies, both national and local are aware of this and for humanitarian reasons are soft in their approch to the informal settlers’ issue.
In fact, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has announced that the informal settlers families particularly those living on danger zones are prioritized in the government’s housing projects.
The latest incident on Estero de Magdalena in Manila where three people died and several others injured when a large tree collapsed and fell on the houses situated at the estero precipitated the DHSUD statement to prioritize housing projects for ISF (informal settlers families).
President Marcos, Jr.., should also be credited for ordering the provision of housing units for this marginalized sector.
In Mabalacat City, the City Planning and Development Office headed by Rosan S. Paquia, EnP, has introduced interventions to address the issue of informal settlers, with the concurrence and approval of course of City Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo.
Rosan has recommended the creation and operation of n office which focuses on the plight of the informal settlers, identify their concerns and needs and come up with long-term solutions to this so-called “cancer” of the society.
Previously, informal settlers along the old PNR tracks in Dau, Atlu Bola and other areas have been identified, indexed, and given the opportunity to own their own homes and live simply but comfortably. What about the “professional” squatters, presumably aided by syndicates?
Further, the city government is in complete coordination with national agencies to find solutions to the age-old problem of homelessness and provide shelter to those needing one.