2023 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The Relocation and Resettlement Program, implemented by the City Government of the Island Garden of Samal, aims to provide informal settlers with the opportunity to own decent and standardized housing in areas equipped with essential utilities. This program not only addresses the challenges faced by displaced populations living in infrastructure development areas, danger zones, and indigenous ancestral dwellings but also fosters resilient communities that are secure and sustainable.

The program focuses on offering secure dwelling units to informal settlers, particularly those residing along the coastline. Samal Island's picturesque shoreline, a primary livelihood source for approximately 3,500 fishing families, presents inherent dangers from extreme natural phenomena and longer-term risks of coastal erosion and sea level rise. By providing relocation options that offer easy accessibility to schools, hospitals, religious institutions, and other essential services, the program aims to protect lives and properties from these threats.

However, relocating informal settlers from coastal areas faced resistance due to deep-rooted behavioral and social factors. Despite awareness campaigns and financial incentives, some residents remained attached to their coastal homes due to their fishing livelihoods or emotional connections. Encouraging voluntary relocation became a genuine challenge. To address this, the program shifted from a government-driven approach to a community-driven model. Samaleños actively participated in the vision, resulting in the establishment of homeowners-initiated communities where families now reside in safer and more resilient environments.

In collaboration with relevant local government units and national agencies, has set a bold goal to become a city free from informal settlers which requires the active participation of the community and stakeholders. Also, part of its achievement is the provision of funds from the local government, private sector donations, and community-initiated support. This collaborative approach ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the program.

The Relocation and Resettlement Program has led to the creation of thirty housing associations, benefitting 3,663 families. Beyond improving housing conditions, the program has had a profound impact on various aspects of community life. It has contributed to environmental conservation by reducing waste pollution in the sea and preserving marine life. Moreover, it has led to a decrease in domestic waste levels, fostering a cleaner and healthier living environment. By providing informal settlers with safe and secure homes, the program has restored privacy and peace, empowering them to build a better future.

Also, the program is a transformative initiative aimed at creating resilient communities. By providing secure housing options and overcoming behavioral and social challenges, the program ensures the safety and well-being of informal settlers. The program's positive impact extends beyond housing, encompassing environmental conservation and improved quality of life as dedication to creating resilient and sustainable communities makes it an exemplar in fostering inclusive social progress.

Further, the city government created the housing unit for monitoring and evaluation as well as in-charge in forging linkages and partnerships to better improve the program and concretizing the vision of “An urban center in a garden setting with its constituents living in a disaster resilient community and decent dwellings with tenurial security.”

More information: https://samalcity.gov.ph/ (External link)