QC, DHSUD to relocate waterway settlers, push Rental Housing

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Quezon City government have committed to clearing informal settler families (ISFs) from waterways and relocating them to safer housing, citing the risks of living in danger zones during the rainy season.

In a recent meeting, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte discussed joint efforts to deliver housing projects for the city’s most vulnerable residents, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to remove communities from hazardous areas.

“Alinsunod po yan sa utos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. na ilayo sa mga delikadong lugar ang ating mga kababayan, sa mga tabing ilog, estero at iba pang daluyan ng tubig. Kailangan ilipat natin sa disente at ligtas na lugar,” Aliling said.

The officials agreed to prioritize ISFs living along the city’s rivers, creeks, and other waterways in implementing projects under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Both Aliling and Belmonte expressed preference for a rental housing scheme, citing its suitability for affected families. “We are in favor of rental (housing),” Belmonte said, noting that the city can provide land for such projects.

Upon assuming office in May, Aliling directed the inclusion of rental housing as one of the modalities under the Expanded 4PH Program. The DHSUD has already begun exploring a pilot project within the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City.

City Hall data shows about 13,000 families currently reside along Quezon City’s waterways. Aliling urged the local government to identify priority sites and confirm available land for immediate project rollout.

“This is the best way forward,” Belmonte said, emphasizing that rental housing would offer a sustainable and safe alternative for families displaced by the clearing operations.