The Philippines

Context at a glance

The daughter of a Habitat homeowner stands in front of her new house

The Philippines has a thriving economy, a multitude of vibrant cultures and some of the natural wonders of Asia. Yet more than four million Filipino families live below the poverty line. Crowded squatter areas proliferate in Metro Manila and other urban centres. The shortage of affordable land and a rapidly growing population make it impossible for the government and private-sector housing agencies to tackle homelessness and poverty housing.

In coastal areas homes may be raised on stilts, but these are often inadequate to withstand severe weather or seasonal typhoons.

Habitat for Humanity programme

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is one of the largest HFH programmes in the Asia/Pacific region. Habitat began in Metro Manila in 1988 and now works in rural and urban areas. Core houses are built by HFH in the Philippines, so that once the initial mortgage has been paid, an extension can be built. Core houses measure 30 sq. m. Terraced houses are also built and are 40 sq. m. each.

HFH works with microfinance partners to increase the number of people it can help. It pioneered "Save and Upgrade" for families in urban areas who own land but cannot afford to build or upgrade their homes. In response to escalating urban land costs, Habitat has also developed three-storey multi-family residences with grant funding from the European Union. The increasing use of interlocking concrete and compressed earth blocks, both of which can be made on site, provides a cheaper and more attractive alternative to normal hollow cement blocks.

HFH Philippines has a large and active volunteer programme. It has hosted dozens of international work teams, as well as mobilising local church congregations and tens of thousands of local students and youngsters for regular building projects and other special events, such as "Peace Builds" with Muslims in the troubled south.

Read a homeowner story from The Philippines Joy and Aniano's story

Read a volunteer story from The Philippines Tearing down barriers

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