From Slums to Vertical Housing: An Evaluation of the Impact of the Tondominium Housing Project on Former Informal Settler Beneficiaries from Vitas Katuparan, Tondo

Abstract

Tondo, Manila, known for its high population and widespread informal settlements, has historically been a host of several housing projects in the city. However, many have failed to achieve long-term success due to unsustained government support, profit-driven housing policies, and off-city resettlement sites that often disrupt the relocatees’ access to work and social services. In recent years, vertical in-city housing has emerged as a strategy housing Tondo’s informal settler families (ISFs), most notably through the Tondominium project. By using a case study approach, the study aims to capture the narratives and lived experiences of Vitas Katuparan’s ISFs before, during, and after their relocation to Tondominium. Guided by the Human Security framework, the research aims to provide a holistic and multidisciplinary analysis of the project’s impacts. Data were collected through 20 individual interviews, followed by focus group discussions with the beneficiaries. Field observations, as well as key informant interviews were also conducted with a government representative, community leaders, the Tondominium administrator, and livelihood center head. Subsequently, thematic analysis was employed to interpret the findings. The findings reveal various issues in the relocation process, such as the lack of genuine participatory, non-repressive, and transparent mechanisms, alongside hasty relocation and uneven aid distribution. Pre-relocation conditions, inadequate post-relocation support, and ineffective livelihood programs were also found to exacerbate the vulnerabilities of most families. Moreover, the transition from informal settlements to a more regulated condominium environment also posed significant cultural and social adjustments on the beneficiaries. Nonetheless, the relocation of most ISFs to a single, nearby, and more economically diverse site helped mitigate some of the negative impacts of resettlement. Remarkably, many beneficiaries expressed overall satisfaction with the program, citing improved personal and environmental security associated with better housing conditions—marking a notable shift from past public housing initiatives in Tondo. Ultimately, the study highlights the importance of continuing in-city high-rise housing initiatives, conducting thorough pre-relocation assessments of the beneficiaries’ economic capacities, developing livelihood programs well-suited to their socio-economic realities, and facilitating consultative processes to ensure more inclusive and effective housing policies.