Watching squatter demolitions on TV is always heartbreaking to see, but a house is such a basic human need that we all understand why emotions become so high-pitched when these demolitions happen. Understandably, these have to be done - if we want the rule of law to rule in our land - since these squatters don't really own these properties they are squatting on - and they really have to be returned to their rightful owners. But on the other hand - this points to the fact that there is really a huge housing shortage in a crowded city like Metro Manila.
That's why I think it's very important that the local governments take it upon themselves to find a solution to this - to institute some sort of mass housing system for the poor. Gawad Kalinga has slowly been doing what it can to remedy the situation - but it hasn't really reached the crucial areas in the metropolis where many of these squatter communities are located.
I remember going to a Bliss in UP when I still had a friend who lived there. It's a feasible solution since it's a building and it can house many families. Land is very expensive in Metro Manila - so I think owning a house on land here will just be reserved for those who really have the cash for it. I am not an economist so I wouldn't really know how to compute the expenses needed to house the poor in Metro Manila and still come out with a viable payment program so that the government is not burdened too much.
Still, it is a problem that begs for a solution - and I'm sure an enterprising businessman out there can come out a winner - if he finds the right balance between profit and social welfare.
