6.Pasig LGU

At the Socialized Housing Forum, Ricardo Reyes of the Pasig Urban Settlements Office (PUSO) presented a local government approach that redefines housing as a public service–moving away from traditional relocation models toward more inclusive, in-city solutions.

Facing a significant number of informal settler families (ISFs), many of whom live in high-risk areas such as waterways and public lands, Pasig City has shifted its housing strategy to respond more directly to the realities of urban poverty. Rather than treating housing purely as a market-driven commodity, the city’s Local Shelter Plan positions it as a social justice issue, grounded in the constitutional mandate to ensure human dignity and equitable access to basic services.

This shift reflects a deeper recognition that the growth of cities has long depended on labor migrating from provinces–yet housing systems have not kept pace with this movement. As a result, informal settlements continue to expand, not simply due to lack of housing supply, but due to the absence of a comprehensive, inclusive urban housing system.

In Pasig alone, the housing backlog for ISFs reaches close to 18,000 families, highlighting the scale of the challenge at the city level. To address this, Pasig has adopted several guiding principles.

At the core is the commitment to in-city and near-city housing, ensuring that families remain close to employment opportunities, schools, and essential services. This approach directly counters traditional off-city relocation, which often disrupts livelihoods and leads to long-term instability. Given land constraints in urban areas, the city has also moved toward vertical development, typically ranging from mid-rise to high-rise buildings. These projects are often designed as mixed-use developments, integrating residential spaces with commercial areas to support economic activity within communities.

At the same time, Pasig recognizes that not all housing needs require complete relocation or new construction. Many communities prefer to remain in place and improve their existing homes. In response, the city has incorporated home improvement strategies, enabling residents to upgrade structures, secure permits, and strengthen foundations–particularly in compliance with safety standards.

This reflects a more flexible understanding of the housing backlog because it includes not only those without homes, but also those living in inadequate conditions.

Another key feature of Pasig’s approach is its emphasis on community participation. Housing programs are implemented in partnership with homeowners’ associations and community groups, allowing residents to actively participate in planning and decision-making. This participatory model helps ensure that housing solutions are responsive to actual needs and local contexts. Complementing this is the city’s adoption of public rental housing models, particularly for lower-income households.

Under this framework, housing is structured based on income segments. Lower-income families are supported through subsidized rental schemes, while those with slightly higher incomes may access lease-to-own or amortization options. This tiered approach aligns housing solutions with varying levels of affordability, rather than applying a single model across all groups.

To sustain these programs, Pasig is also exploring innovative financing mechanisms. These include leveraging public-private partnerships, negotiating bulk or wholesale housing arrangements with developers, and utilizing fiscal tools such as tax incentives and socialized housing funds. The city is also aligning its efforts with national programs such as the 4PH initiative to expand access to financing and development support.

Beyond delivery, Reyes emphasized the importance of measuring outcomes. Housing programs are evaluated not only in terms of units delivered, but also through indicators such as rental collection rates, employment outcomes, access to services, and overall community well-being. This reflects a broader shift toward viewing housing as part of a larger system of urban development and social protection.

Ultimately, Pasig’s approach highlights a key insight; that effective housing solutions must go beyond relocation and construction, and instead focus on the integration of people, livelihoods, and communities within the city. In doing so, housing becomes not just a response to urban challenges, but a foundation for more inclusive and sustainable city development.