Lapu Lapu Housing Project

Project Brief

The project is implemented in three phases – the 1st phase started in the year 2006; wherein the lot was bought for the preparation of the relocation site, for the intended partner-beneficiaries (scavengers and informal settlers) in Lapu-Lapu City and other partner communities of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation – Integrated Development Center, Incorporated (JPIC-IDC,Inc.); the 2nd phase  implemented in year 2007 to 2009 was marked by the site development, installation of drainage, the construction of the 100 houses and the worship center, In the said years the start of the formal organizing of the community and the establishment of the cooperative and alternative livelihood were the major highlights of the project implementation. The third phase which started in August 2009 and will culminate in 2012 focuses on the strengthening of the St. Arnold Janssen Community Association, Basic Ecclesial Community (SAJCA-BEC) towards a self-governed association and the strengthening of the established cooperative-Nagkahiusang Pundok sa Kabus sa Lapu-Lapu-Multi-purpose Cooperative (NAPOKALA-MPC) that is leading the community’s goal achievement on the aspect of  providing alternative livelihood. On the infrastructure and development aspect, the project completed the construction of the 115 houses, the two-class room pre-school, multi-purpose center, kiosk, activity and basketball court, and children’s playground in 2010. The said project implementation and infrastructure development is being funded by Karl Kuebel Stiftung of Germany and the Friends of Fr. Heinz.

The Project’s Contribution

The mentioned infrastructure development, community organizing activities and livelihood development initiatives implemented, not only provided roofs and walls to house the bodies of partner beneficiaries but rather, these build homes and lives of the people. It provided those who have been living in constant survival by scavenging and other informal jobs, the opportunities to own a decent house and a chance to believe in their self again.  They were provided with new perspectives and alternatives. They were empowered to do something to change their lives, away from the de-humanizing situations in the dumpsites. 

The other beneficiaries who were victims of demolition, constantly facing threats of demolition, victimized by deadly fire that occurred not just ones but for several times and suffered from floods and other calamities in their previous informal settlements, now feel safe in the new housing site. There are 101 families who have already been awarded with their respective house and lot. It is payable within 25 years with a monthly amortization of less than P800.00 only.

The children were provided with facilities for fun and play and activities are initiated for values formation and personhood development.

The Challenges at Hand