THE PHILIPPINES:00 The Philippines Profile PDF|2004 Annual Report

THE PHILIPPINE archipelago encompasses a thriving economy, a multitude of vibrant cultures
and some of the natural wonders of Asia. Yet, more than four million Filipino families live below the poverty line. Crowded squatter areas proliferate in Metro Manila and other urban centers.
The shortage of affordable land and a fast-growing population thwart efforts by government
and private-sector housing effort to tackle homelessness and poverty housing. In coastal
areas, homes may be raised on stilts, but these are often inadequate to withstand severe
weather or seasonal typhoons.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is one of the largest HFH programs in the region. Habitat
began in Metro Manila in 1988, and now works in rural and urban areas. “Building in Stages”
(“core” houses) and “Row House” designs are the principal models used by the 29 affiliates
and 18 satellite groups. Core houses, which can be added to once initial mortgages have
been paid down, measure 30 sq. m. and two-story row houses cover some 40 sq. m.

HFH works with microfinance partners to extend its reach. It pioneered “Save & Up-grade” for families in urban areas who own land, but cannot afford to build or upgrade their homes.
In response to escalating urban land costs, Habitat has developed three-story multi-family
residences with grant funding from the European Union. The increasing use of interlocking
concrete and compressed earth blocks, both of which can be made on site, provide a
cheaper and more attractive alternative to normal hollow cement blocks.

HFH Philippines has a large and active volunteer program. It has hosted dozens of international work teams, as well as mobilizing local church congregations and tens of
thousands of local students and youngsters for regular “Build on Faith”, youth and other special events such as “Peace Builds” with Moslems in the troubled south. In 1999,
HFH Philippines hosted the Jimmy Carter Work Project. This brought together over
14,000 volunteers from all over the world to build 293 houses in a single week.

• Area: 300,000 sq. km.
  

• Capital: Manila
  

• Population: 84,619,974 (2003)
  

• Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and others 3%.
  

• Ethnic groups: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, others 3%
  

• Languages: Filipino, English, Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano and regional languages

• Disaster response and community transformation initiative project in a fire stricken part of Manila’s port area involves 1,000 families. First homes under construction in mid-2004.
  

• Partnerships with other organizations such as the European Union, Asian Development Bank, Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, HFH Korea, HFH Netherlands as well as government, commercial and other service-oriented bodies.
  

• Sixteen Global Village volunteer teams built 22 houses and “Building on Faith” events added 214 houses in 26 sites in 2003.
  

• Over 300,000 volunteers have worked on Habitat sites in the Philippines to date.