PHILIPPINES SHELTER SECTOR ASSESSMENT, VOL. 3 : OLONGAPO CITY REPORT

This report presents an analysis of shelter needs in Olongapo City and the constraints in resolving these needs. It first provides an overview of the city, its population trends, government structure, economy, finance, and income distribution. The dimension of its shelter problem is gauged by analyzing the present housing demand versus supply, human settlement patterns, and the socioeconomic characteristics of the low-income population. Components of the shelter problem such as land, infrastructure, utilities, and finance are then reviewed. Based on the foregoing findings, the final section sets out alternative shelter approaches and possible projects designed to meet the shelter needs of low-income groups. The criteria used to evaluate these alternative solutions are: affordability for project beneficiaries, replicability by cities on a national scale, institutional development, and consistency with national shelter policies. A summary of recommendations in the areas of comprehensive community improvement, sites and services, socioeconomic programs for the urban poor, institution building, and technical assistance precede the main text. Included among these are: the provision of roads, footpaths and potable water; the improvement of drainage and sanitation systems; and the provision of small housing improvement loans. The establishment of barangay (city district) training centers and strengthening of the city vocational training institute, family practice in improved sanitation techniques, and training of nutritionists for barangay centers are also encouraged. Some 30 tables, maps and figures and four appendices giving a list of persons interviewed, cost breakdowns for implementing the recommendations, the city"s housing framework plan, and real property tax collections are also included.