Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to flood risk reduction by resettling more than 57,000 informal settler families (ISF) under the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program (MBCRPP).
According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent directive to intensify efforts in addressing persistent flooding across the country. The DILG emphasized that the MBCRPP serves as a vital strategy to protect lives, livelihoods, and property, particularly within the Manila Bay Watershed.
These informal settler families, previously residing along waterways and easement areas vulnerable to typhoons and monsoon rains, have been relocated to government-owned housing units to enhance their safety and resilience. The MBCRPP involves collaboration between the DILG, other national agencies, and local government units (LGUs) to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and properties in vulnerable areas across the Manila Bay Watershed.
Under the program's LGU Compliance Assessment, the DILG monitors 187 cities and municipalities across regions 3, 4-A, and the National Capital Region for adherence to environmental laws and national policies that support the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. Based on the latest DILG data, 23.93 percent of the 238,747 identified ISFs have been relocated. The National Capital Region leads in relocation success with 36.56 percent of its ISFs resettled, followed by Region 4-A at 21.06 percent.
The DILG reported that 61 LGUs have completed socialized housing projects (SHPs), 52 SHPs are currently under construction, and 90 are in the proposal stage. Additionally, 182 LGUs have established a Local Housing Board (LHB), 133 have an approved Local Shelter Plan (LSP), and 46 have SHPs supported by a Resettlement and Relocation Action Plan (RRAP).
To sustain progress, a stakeholder orientation was conducted last March, focusing on strategies to safeguard cleared areas, prevent the re-occupation by ISFs, and promote humane and inclusive engagement. The DILG has urged all LGUs within the Manila Bay Watershed to accelerate resettlement programs and ensure the sustainability and people-centered focus of Manila Bay's rehabilitation, in line with President Marcos' call for long-term flood solutions.
