Many of the medium-rise buildings constructed by the government for social housing have remained

empty and deteriorating. The intended beneficiaries simply cannot afford the down payment or remit
the required monthly installments on time. Their irregular low earnings in the informal economy have
made that prospect virtually impossible. After months and even years of no takers, the government
invites low middle-income families with regular salaries to occupy the units, an option that seems
appropriate since those with lower-level jobs at city hall and its vicinity also need affordable, adequate
housing. However, this means that subsidies intended for poorer informal settler communities are going
to somewhat better-off beneficiaries.

Ample evidence in Philippine cities shows what has worked for the bottom 40 percent. It starts with
communities developing their own “people’s plans.” Impressive examples abound: in Manila, Baseco,
Zoto, and Estero de San Miguel, Sampaloc, Jesse M. Robredo Village HOA near Malacañang; in Pasay
City, the Manggahan Residences; in Quezon City, Ernestville and Sama-Sama Fairview; in Valenzuela City,
Barangay Ugong; in Naga City, Kaantabay sa Kauswagan settlements; in Cebu City, Pagtambayayong
neighborhoods; and in Tacloban City, Pope Francis Village. There are many more. If the President wants
to visit any of these sites, the community leaders, mostly women, will welcome them and explain how
local residents have made it happen.

Each one of these communities illustrates the importance of people’s planning to accommodate its
distinctive profile. The key lesson is that no one size or scheme fits all. Rather, a wide range of options
gives mixed communities a chance to assess what is feasible for their particular families and incomes:
onsite upgrading or nearby detached houses, row housing, medium-rise buildings, cooperative housing,
rental or rent-to-own apartments, and perhaps for some able to afford it, a unit owned, leased, or
rented in a high-rise building.