Housing in 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 poor 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.

A young shopkeeper, who moved from the North Harbour squatters' site to Sapang Palay, also works in the port of Manila to support his six children. He earns $30 a month. [Exact date unknown]

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