Informal Settler Families (ISFs) are individuals or groups who occupy land or structures without formal legal claim, often settling in danger zones like riverbanks, railways, and under bridges. Due to poverty and lack of affordable housing, many ISFs are forced to live in unsafe and overcrowded areas with limited access to basic services. To address this, the government—through agencies like the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)—offers various assistance programs such as relocation, resettlement, on-site upgrading, and livelihood support.
These programs are crucial because they aim to improve the quality of life of ISFs by helping them secure safer, more sustainable living environments. Beyond shelter, these efforts promote public safety, environmental protection, and social inclusion, especially in disaster-prone areas. Learning about these programs matters not only to ISFs but also to the wider community, as it fosters awareness, empathy, and support for inclusive development and urban resilience.
List of ISF Assistance Programs
Here are the general types of assistance programs offered to informal settler families (ISFs) in the Philippines:
- Relocation & Resettlement Programs (Hazard-Prone / Danger Zones): These programs focus on relocating informal settler families from hazardous areas (e.g., riverbanks, esteros, flood zones) to safer communities.
- In-City / High-Density Vertical Housing Programs: Focused on in-city or near-city resettlement in mid- to high-rise buildings to reduce displacement from livelihood and education centers.
- Post-Calamity Housing Assistance: Designed to support ISFs and other vulnerable groups in rebuilding or relocating after natural or man-made disasters.
- Financial Assistance for Displaced ISFs (Due to Infrastructure Projects): Provides cash aid to families who must vacate for infrastructure or development works.
- Community-Driven / Participatory Shelter Development: Focuses on people-led planning, organizing, and management of housing development, particularly in relocation sites.
- Educational Assistance: These programs are designed to support the improvement of both education and employment prospects of ISFs, allowing for a better future.
Now that you are aware of the various types of assistance available to ISFs, let’s dive deep into the actual programs that they can apply for or avail of:
1. Housing Program for ISFs Living Along Danger Areas in Metro Manila
Provider: National Housing Authority (NHA)
The NHA Housing Program for Informal Settler Families (ISFs) living in danger-prone areas in Metro Manila aims to relocate families residing near waterways, esteros, and other hazardous zones. The initiative provides access to affordable, disaster-resilient housing and essential community facilities. It supports inclusive urban development by ensuring that resettled families live in functional, sustainable communities with access to education, livelihood, and healthcare.
Purpose: To protect vulnerable families from natural disasters and unsafe living conditions by relocating them to secure, affordable housing while promoting long-term community development and social inclusion.
Features and benefits:
- Affordable Housing Units: Standard 24-square-meter homes built to ensure safety and livability.
- In-City, Near-City, and Off-City Resettlement Options: Flexible relocation choices based on land availability and family preferences.
- Community Facilities: Access to schools, markets, livelihood centers, and open spaces to support everyday needs.
- Socio-Economic Support: Income-generating programs and skills training to promote self-reliance.
- Emergency Housing Assistance: Financial aid or building materials for families affected by calamities through EHAP.
- Targeted Beneficiaries: ISFs living in waterways, flood-prone, or landslide-risk areas; displaced urban poor families; and those without property ownership.
- No Application Fees: Application is free, with only minimal expenses for documents such as certifications or affidavits.
- Government Collaboration: Backed by partnerships with LGUs and supported by national programs like the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH).
- Successful Relocation Projects: Examples include St. Gregory Homes (Malabon) and Navotaas Homes 5 Phase 2 (Navotas), which feature housing units and community centers.
2. Resettlement Program for ISFs Affected by the Supreme Court’s Mandamus to Clean-up the Manila Bay Area
Provider: National Housing Authority (NHA)
The NHA Resettlement Program was launched in 2018 as a direct response to the 2008 Writ of Continuing Mandamus issued by the Supreme Court. The mandate ordered the cleanup and rehabilitation of Manila Bay, which included removing informal settlements encroaching upon rivers, esteros, and other connected waterways. This program facilitates the safe relocation of affected Informal Settler Families (ISFs) to decent and secure housing sites developed by the government.
Purpose: To support the environmental rehabilitation of Manila Bay by relocating ISFs from danger zones and waterway easements, while providing sustainable housing solutions and improving public health and safety.
Features and benefits:
- Relocation to Safe Housing Sites: Families are transferred to secure, non-hazardous government housing communities.
- Basic Utilities and Infrastructure: Sites include access to electricity, clean water, drainage, and road networks.
- Access to Social Services: Communities are near schools, health centers, public transport, and livelihood opportunities.
- Subsidized Housing Assistance: Financial support or affordable amortization rates are available depending on the scheme.
- Coordinated Relocation Support: Families receive orientation, transport assistance, and coordination support during the move.
- Improved Living Conditions: Families move from flood-prone areas to safer homes with better facilities.
- Support for Environmental Protection: Reduces encroachment along waterways and contributes to Manila Bay rehabilitation.
- Reduced Health Risks: Better sanitation and cleaner surroundings improve public health.
- Enhanced Community Development: Promotes stronger, more integrated communities with access to essential services.
- Long-Term Stability: Provides lasting housing solutions and supports sustainable urban development.
3. High Density Housing Program (HDH)
Provider: Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC)
The SHFC High Density Housing (HDH) Program is a government-led initiative that provides affordable, disaster-resilient vertical housing for low-income families, particularly those living in hazard-prone and densely populated urban areas. It focuses on in-city or near-city resettlement to ensure that beneficiaries remain close to their sources of livelihood and essential services. The program emphasizes a community-driven approach, allowing organized groups to plan and manage their own housing projects with technical and financial support from SHFC.
Purpose: To provide safe, affordable, and permanent vertical housing solutions for informal settler families (ISFs) in danger zones while promoting inclusive, sustainable urban development through community participation.
Features and benefits:
- Affordable loan packages with a maximum of ₱450,000 per family
- Low 4.5% interest rate and up to 30 years loan term
- Vertical housing options (mid-rise or high-rise buildings) ideal for limited urban space
- In-city or near-site relocation, reducing displacement from workplaces and schools
- Flexible repayment schemes including graduated amortization and rent-to-own options
- Disaster-resilient infrastructure, built to withstand floods and other natural hazards
- Various tenurial arrangements, such as usufruct or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT)
- Community-driven development, empowering HOAs or people’s organizations (POs)
- Technical assistance from SHFC for project planning and implementation
- Access to government support, civil society, and private sector partners
- Eligibility for low-income urban families, especially ISFs in Metro Manila
- Structured application process for organized community associations
- Long-term land security and ownership options for qualified beneficiaries
4. Oplan LIKAS (Lumikas para Iwas Kalamidad at Sakit)
Provider: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
The DSWD is providing P8.7 million in financial assistance to 485 informal settler families (ISFs) from Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pasay City, and Tondo, Manila. This initiative is part of the Oplan LIKAS program, which aims to relocate families living in danger zones like waterways to safer and more dignified communities. The assistance includes an Interim Shelter Fund of P18,000 per family to help them secure temporary housing and livelihood support.
Purpose: To assist and relocate informal settler families living in high-risk and hazardous areas to safe and decent settlements, while supporting their transition through financial aid and livelihood opportunities.
Features and benefits:
- P18,000 Interim Shelter Fund per family-beneficiary
- Relocation from danger zones to safer, more livable communities
- Opportunity to use the funds for childbirth, livelihood, or starting anew
- Administrative support and validation from DSWD
- Funded by DILG with a total allocation of over P509 million
- Empowers vulnerable families to become self-sufficient in their new homes
5. Housing Assistance Program for Calamity Victims (HAPCV)
Provider: National Housing Authority (NHA)
The Housing Assistance Program for Calamity Victims (HAPCV) is a nationwide initiative of the National Housing Authority (NHA) that provides shelter and financial support to families affected by natural and man-made disasters. It caters to low- and marginal-income families, including informal settler families (ISFs), whose homes were destroyed or damaged due to calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The program offers either relocation housing or housing materials assistance to help families rebuild or start over in safer areas.
Purpose: To assist disaster-affected Filipino families in rebuilding their lives through permanent housing or self-repair support, ensuring safe and resilient living conditions.
Features and benefits:
- Two types of assistance:
- Relocation and Resettlement Housing for families needing to move out of unsafe areas
- Housing Materials Assistance (HOMA) for families whose homes are partially damaged but still located in safe zones
- Nationwide implementation with coordination from LGUs, provincial offices, and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
- Permanent housing units constructed in designated safe locations
- Self-repair assistance through provision of construction materials
- Basic infrastructure support in relocation sites (roads, drainage, water systems)
- Livelihood and community development support in some resettlement areas
- Covers multiple calamities, including major typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides
- Priority given to low-income, marginal-income households, ISFs, and families in high-risk zones
- Government-backed funding (e.g., ₱12.059 billion released for HAPCV housing initiatives)
6. Financial Assistance for Informal Settlers Affected by Infrastructure Projects
Provider: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs)
Informal Settler Families (ISFs) living along danger zones such as riverbanks and waterways are provided financial assistance to vacate their dwellings. This is part of the government’s efforts to clear easement zones and proceed with vital infrastructure or rehabilitation projects. The assistance is facilitated by the DPWH through local government units like the Cebu City and Antique provincial governments.
Purpose: To support the relocation of informal settlers displaced by infrastructure or rehabilitation projects, while minimizing disruption to their livelihood and living conditions.
Features and benefits:
- One-time financial assistance (e.g., PHP10,000 per household)
- Targeted support for renters, rent-free occupants, and structure sharers
- Helps affected families relocate or temporarily stay with relatives
- Enables smoother implementation of infrastructure and flood control projects
- Coordinated by the DPWH, LGUs, and social welfare offices
- Prioritizes those disqualified from formal housing resettlement programs
7. Shelter Development for Informal Settler Families (PH0054)
Provider: Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), in coordination with the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Local Government Units (LGUs)
The Shelter Development for Informal Settler Families aims to improve the living conditions of relocated families through a participatory and community-led approach. It addresses the shortcomings of supply-driven housing programs by implementing Community Organizing and Community Development (CO-CD) in various resettlement sites. This initiative ensures that relocatees play an active role in planning and managing their housing and community development projects.
Purpose: To empower informal settler families and relocatees to become active partners in the planning and implementation of responsive, people-centered shelter solutions, thereby improving the sustainability and effectiveness of government resettlement programs.
Features and benefits:
- Implementation of CO-CD in 59 relocation sites across various regions
- Support for 25 People’s Plans under SHFC’s High Density Housing Program
- Strengthens community participation and ownership in resettlement projects
- Promotes transparency through community issue profiling and open data
- Enhances accountability by involving stakeholders in resolving service gaps
- Aligns with Chapter 5 of the Philippine Development Plan 2017–2022 on good governance
- Encourages onsite development and in-city relocation as housing priorities
- Advocates for climate-resilient homes and comprehensive township resettlement
- Integrates livelihood and employment as core components of urban poverty reduction
- Recognizes housing as a constitutional right and addresses systemic housing backlog issues
8. Great Mind: Entrepreneurship Program
Provider: RiseUP.org
The Great Mind: Entrepreneurship Program is a free virtual summer program designed to empower young people to become innovators and problem solvers within their communities. It provides hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Environment, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM). Participants gain practical skills and work in teams to develop sustainable projects and inventions.
Purpose: To equip high school juniors, out-of-school youth, and young adults with the technical, vocational, and creative skills necessary to innovate and create positive change in their communities.
Features and benefits:
- 100% free virtual learning program
- Hands-on experience in STREAM fields
- Open to high school juniors, out-of-school youth, and young adults
- Focus on sustainability and community-based solutions
- Teamwork and collaboration training
- Development of self-led projects and inventions
- Opportunities to build technical and entrepreneurial skills
9. Community-Based Training for Enterprise Development Program
Provider: TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)
This program targets poor and marginalized sectors who lack access to formal training and economic opportunities. It provides skills training designed not just for employment, but for launching livelihood enterprises. The program also supports partner organizations like LGUs, NGOs, and people’s organizations in empowering local communities through sustainable livelihood development.
Purpose: To equip disadvantaged individuals with the skills and support needed to establish livelihood enterprises and contribute to community development.
Features and benefits:
- Offers accessible training to poor and marginalized individuals
- Focuses on enterprise development, not just skills training
- Empowers participants to start livelihood projects immediately after training
- Collaborates with LGUs, NGOs, and other organizations for broader impact
- Helps build self-sustaining communities through local economic initiatives
10. Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) Program
Provider: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) Program is a national initiative led by the DSWD to encourage Filipinos in urban areas to return and resettle in their home provinces or rural regions. Enacted under Executive Order No. 114, the program aims to decongest major cities and promote balanced regional development. Through financial and livelihood assistance, BP2 supports families seeking a fresh start and better living conditions in the provinces.
Purpose: To reduce urban congestion, promote equitable development, and provide sustainable opportunities for Filipinos wishing to rebuild their lives in rural areas.
Features and benefits:
- Transportation Assistance: Travel aid from PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000, including food support while in transit.
- Livelihood Assistance: Up to PHP 15,000 for individuals to start sustainable income-generating activities.
- Relocation and Transitory Packages: Up to PHP 35,000 for relocation and PHP 10,000 to PHP 70,000 for food and basic needs during transition.
- Shelter Assistance: Rental subsidies from PHP 120,000 to PHP 250,000 for families waiting for NHA housing; includes an additional PHP 50,000 livelihood grant.
- Community Grants via KALAHI-CIDSS:
- Municipal grants of up to PHP 7.5 million for essential infrastructure (e.g., roads, multipurpose halls).
- PHP 300,000 for LGU staff and volunteer training.
- PHP 500,000 for community planning and engagement.
Video: DHSUD to Focus on Giving Homes to ISFs
Informal Settler Families (ISFs) in the Philippines are among the most vulnerable communities, often living in danger zones like riverbanks, esteros, and under bridges due to poverty and lack of affordable housing. To address their needs, the government offers several assistance programs through agencies like the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). These programs include relocation and resettlement, high-density housing, post-calamity assistance, financial aid for those affected by infrastructure projects, and community-driven shelter development. The goal is to move families out of hazardous areas and into safer, more sustainable communities while also providing livelihood and social support to ensure long-term stability. Understanding these programs helps not only ISFs but also the general public in promoting inclusive urban development and environmental protection.