Raymond S.

Resoco October 21, 2016

BSCE – 5A
A Reaction Paper on
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
(PD 1096)
The dream of more than four million homeless Filipinos: A roof over one's head, a

decent home. The homes of Filipinos living under the bridge, along the railways and sidewalks,

and witness how they live. Most of these "informal settlers" have come from different provinces.

The result is a tremendous increase in the number of homeless Filipinos in the cities.

The government's response was to create housing projects and relocation sites. This

solution, however, has had its own predicaments. For instance, having no clean water, no

electricity, etc. To top it off, the site is very far from the city, making it inconvenient for residents

to find any form of livelihood. Of course, from the government’s point of view, the shortcomings

aren't their entire fault. They also blame the people who lack discipline (selling the land awarded

to them and those who work with syndicates).

Although the code has been followed, it is only in such a way where the minimum

standards are used. The way that the resources were used was clearly for that the users will

have the minimum of what they would need. For example, for every unit, there is no visible room

for laundry activities; the living room and dining area has been cramped up in a small space that

would provide difficulties to use at the same time.

The planning for all the housing designs in the Philippines is obviously in need of

improvements.