Housing in the Philippines

About 50 per cent of the population of the Philippines' major cities lives in make-shift houses because of the lack of low-cost housing. In the 15 years following World War II, about 60,000 families poured into Manila, creating an impoverished area, particularly in the North Harbour district. During the winter of 1963, the Government decided to tear down this housing and relocate the tenants, in the suburb of Sapang Palay. At present, the Government, aided by private groups, the United Nations, the United Nations Children's Fund, (UNICEF), and other UN agencies, are planning low-cost housing projects for this site as well as industrial estates and various social services.

One of the children of the last remaining squatters peeks out of a house in the North Harbour area. The houses will be demolished by the Government and the families relocated if they desire. [Exact date unknown]

[This is an unprocessed archival image and not available for download. If you would like to use this image, please contact the UN Photo Library.]