An Analysis of Socialized Housing for the Urban Squatters Along the Railroad in Paco, Manila

Abstract

Trains are considered symbols of progress. Ironically, railroad in the Philippines seems to be just another reflection of the nation's poverty. Railroads become the dwellings of less privileged Filipinos. Indeed, homelessness is one of the major predicaments of the Philippines. This is the most visible problem the nation faces. Indicating a worsening housing crisis and chronic national poverty is the rise in number of families who squat in vacant places. One of these places is along the railway. Consequently, this study centers on the urban poverty conditions of a community along the PNR railroad in Paco, Manila. Moreover, the research investigates the government's assistance of the essential urban services, particularly the sufficiency of socialized housing for the urban poor.