A house but not a home: the effect of relocation on the urban poor’s standard of living and access to the basic social services.

Abstract

This study entitled “A House but not a Home: The Effect of Relocation on the Urban Poor’s Standard of Living and Access to the Basic Social Services”, disclosed the effect of relocation on the lives of the urban poor population particularly those who are relocated in Rodriguez Rizal formerly living in BIR Quezon City. This study assessed the impact of relocation on education, employment, health services, housing, power and water supply, and safety and peace and order. Guided by the theory of social isolation and continuous effects, residential segregation and discrimination, and neighborhood effects, the data gathered was presented as to determine whether or not relocation improved the lives of the relocatees. The preference of the 46 respondents in terms of their access to the basic social services had been revealed in this study. This research utilized a mixed approach of quantitative and qualitative research. In addition to the 46 survey participants, there were 11 other subject respondent interviews, 3 experts, and 1 key informant. This study showed that relocation impeded on the relocatees‟ opportunity to obtain a gainful employment and livelihood. Apart from this, relocation made the quality health services inaccessible for the relocatees. On the other note, access to housing, electricity and water had been improved. Nevertheless, access to education, safety and peace and order remained unbothered by displacement. This study analyzed the relocation program of the government to address urban migration and poverty caused by the informal settlers in the metropolis.