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 boy peeks through the window to hear Social Worker Lourdes Manaham explain the purpose of the Community Centre to residents of Sapang Palay. UNICEF is assisting in the organization of the Centre. [Exact date unknown]

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