Thesis (BS Architecture) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2005

In less than four years, 1855 Davao City squatter families have been relocated, most by less than peaceful means. In a country where solutions to informal settlement issues are equated with supposedly rational, yet unrealistic government provision of mass housing for the urban poor, this research conducted surveys and interviews to understand what these want and what alternative scheme in housing, aside from relocation, would best fit them. It was found out that the purchasing of socialized housing units or lodging in abandoned structures in the city is not a viable options for Davao City squatters. Upgrading is a welcome improvement, however, not applicable to all studied sites. It is also revealed that a great number of residents in squatter areas rent their dwelling units and proximity to livelihood plays a central part in influencing where squatters live. It is recommended that the government provide a low-rent transition housing program that confers land rights to its beneficiaries that will eventually lead to their acquisition of land titles.