Bahay, Buhay: Creating inclusive urban communities through a pro-poor and participatory housing agenda (2021)
This initiative was a comprehensive national housing advocacy project organized by the Homeless Peoples’ Federation Philippines, Inc. (HPFPI) and the Philippine Action for Community-led Shelter Initiatives, Inc. (PACSII). It aimed to address the systemic challenges faced by urban poor communities in securing land tenure and adequate housing.
Through a series of three national workshops, the project facilitated a structured dialogue between urban poor community leaders, civil society organizations, and key government stakeholders from the legislative and executive branches. The process identified six critical priority areas: Eviction and Demolition, Budgeting and Financing, People’s Plan Approach, Resettlement and Relocation, Legal and Technical Assistance, & Housing Processes and Requirement.
Our collaborations with academics and partners have helped document and analyze the community-led process. These papers provide critical insights for practitioners, policymakers, and advocates.
Access the Resource: Download Environment & Urbanization here
Research & Academic Contributions
Addressing disaster risk reduction through community-rooted interventions in the Philippines
Authors: Norberto Carcellar, Jason Christopher Rayos Co, Zarina O. Hipolito (PACSII)
This study documents how HPFPI’s community-led approach effectively builds resilience and reduces disaster risk among the urban poor.
Publication: Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 23, Issue 2, 2011
Establishing the role of communities in governance: the experience of the Homeless People’sc Federation Philippines
Authors: Sandra Yu (PACSII), Anna Marie Karaos
An early foundational paper exploring how organized communities can actively participate in and influence local governance.
Publication: Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2004
How poor communities are paving their own pathways to freedom
Authors: Somsook Boonyabancha (ACHR), Fr. Norberto Carcellar (PACSII), Thomas Kerr (ACHR)
An early foundational paper exploring how organized communities can actively participate in and influence local governance.
Publication: Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 24, Issue 2, 2012
Community-driven land tenure strategies: the experiences of the Homeless People’s Federation of the Philippines
Authors: John Iremeil E. Teodoro, Jason Christopher Rayos Co
This study documents how HPFPI’s community-led approach effectively builds resilience and reduces disaster risk among the urban poor.
Publication: Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 23, Issue 2, 2011
The role of community architects in upgrading; reflecting on the experience in Asia
Authors: Chawanad Luansang, Supawut Boonmahathanakorn (ACHR), Maria Lourdes Domingo-Price (PACSII)
Highlights the critical importance of community architects in supporting resident-driven housing and upgrading projects.
Publication: Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 24, Issue 2, 2012
Community mapping and data gathering for city planning in the Philippines
Authors: Deanna Ayson
Examines the methodology and impact of community-led data collection as a tool for inclusive city planning and advocacy.
Publication: Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 30, Issue 2, 2018
A conversation about change-making by communities: some experiences from ACCA
Authors: Ruby Papeleras, Ofelia Bagotlo, Somsook Boonyabancha (ACHR)
A dialogue-driven article that shares ground-level experiences and lessons from community leaders in the Asian Coalition for Community Action (ACCA) program.
Publication: Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 24, Issue 2, 2012
