Advocacies & Services
Our work is grounded in evidence and amplified by the lived experiences of the communities we serve. This collection of research, publications, and legal resources represents decades of collaborative learning—documenting the struggles, victories, and hard-earned wisdom of the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines Inc. (HPFPI) and its partner communities. Here, you will find the tools that have empowered urban poor families to navigate complex systems, advocate for their rights, and co-create their own housing solutions. From in-depth case studies on community-led land tenure strategies to practical guides on disaster risk reduction, these resources are offered as both a testament to the power of collective action and a practical toolkit for anyone committed to building inclusive, sustainable, and dignified urban communities.
Legal Education: Know Your Rights
Understanding the legal framework is not just an exercise in knowledge—it is the first and most critical step toward claiming housing rights. For generations, urban poor and informal settler families have faced displacement, eviction, and uncertainty simply because the laws designed to protect them remained unknown or inaccessible.
This section changes that. Here, we break down key Philippine laws that impact the housing security of the urban poor, translating complex legal language into clear, actionable information. From the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) that lays the foundation for community participation, to the Rent Control Acts that protect tenants from exploitation, these resources are designed to empower communities to engage confidently with government agencies, assert their rights, and demand the dignified housing they deserve. Knowledge is power and this is your power to build a future with security and hope.
Republic Act No. 7279: Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992
The cornerstone law for urban poor housing. It provides for a comprehensive and continuing urban development and housing program, includes provisions for eviction and demolition only under specific conditions, and promotes community participation.
Republic Act No. 9507: Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Restructuring and Condonation Act (2008)
Provides relief to homeowners with arrears in socialized and low-cost housing loans by allowing loan restructuring and condonation of penalties.
Republic Act No. 11201: Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Act (2019)
Created the DHSUD, consolidating key housing agencies to provide a more focused and coordinated national housing program.
Republic Act No. 8368: Repeal of Presidential Decree No. 772 (1997)
Decriminalized squatting, recognizing the complex socio-economic roots of informal settlements.
Republic Act No. 9397: Disposition of Lands for Socialized Housing (2006)
Amends the UDHA to facilitate the disposal of government-owned lands for socialized housing.
Republic Act No. 9653: Rent Control Act (2009)
Protects tenants from unreasonable rent increases and arbitrary eviction in certain residential units.
Republic Act No. 9341: The Rent Control Act (2005)
An earlier iteration of the rent control law, establishing initial reforms to protect tenants.
PACSII undertakes the following functions and Activities
Our services equip communities with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships to design and manage their own path to secure housing.
COMMUNITY MAPPING
AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING
As part of the preparation and ongoing improvement of communities in the creation of safe, healthy and resilient neighborhoods, PACSII, along with the other partner organizations in the Philippine Alliance, guides the Homeless people in technically coming up with a good appreciation of the whole environment for their housing projects and site developments.
CAPACITY BUILDING
OF URBAN POOR COMMUNITIES
PACSII believes that the poor have great potentials in building their lives and in addressing their problems. The organization only facilitates processes for the Homeless people to realize their capabilities and bring them to fruition in their service of their communities through empowerment programs and trainings.
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RESEARCH, DOCUMENTATION AND ADVOCACY
PACSII advocates for the housing rights of the urban poor. It pursues this through consciousness-raising, research, documentation, policy-change, and lobbying in law-making bodies in the different levels of government organizational structure.
NETWORK AND PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
As part of the preparation and ongoing improvement of communities in the creation of safe, healthy and resilient neighborhoods, PACSII, along with the other partner organizations in the Philippine Alliance, guides the Homeless people in technically coming up with a good appreciation of the whole environment for their housing projects and site developments.
PROJECT SUPERVISION AND MENTORING
Trained with the overarching support of PACSII in leadership, organizing, financial, network-building and other basic skills, our communities are able to manage their own projects and programs. PACSII’s role is supervisory and mentoring in nature wherein HPFPI communities work closely with professionals in all its programs.
FUND AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
Even as the strength of our HPFPI communities lies on their savings mobilization, PACSII has tapped local supports and international funding for community-initiated projects and programs.
